Winky D is a Zimbabwean reggae-dancehall artist popularly known as "The Big Man" (stylized as "Di Bigman"). Winky D is often considered the Zimdancehall pioneer and one of the most accomplished modern Zimbabwean music artists. His music provides social commentary about Zimbabwean society.
Winky D was among the artists featured in the Southern Africa Music Airwaves (SAMA) Festival 2009. He has released nine studio albums.
Early life and career
As a young teenager, Winky D began showcasing his musical talents while performing at various small-scale events and concerts. At the age of 16, he participated in the Getto Lane Clashes, a series of DJ battles designed to showcase the most promising up-and-coming artists in the field. It was during these clashes that Winky D's skills as a musician were first recognized. Over time, he earned the nickname 'Wicked DeeJay', which was eventually shortened to Winky D. In more recent years, Winky D has shifted his focus to gospel music, and has also been an advocate in the fight against drug addiction within society.
Music career
He has since released eleven albums. This was followed by tours in United Kingdom, US, Asia, and South Africa.
WInky D has been pushing the male population to get circumcised,. He is an avaid supporter of Population Services International and the Ministry of Health and Child Welfare. As a call to action for his fans Winky D and Albert Nyoni (Vanyoni Beats) released a track entitled "If you know you are a champion get circumcised". The song was launched in Harare on 19 January 2012.
Winky D failed to perform at President Robert Mugabe's inauguration gala held in August 2013 at the National Sports Stadium, following contrasting statements about the musician's whereabouts during the event.
In 2023, Winky D launched his studio album Eureka Eureka. Some songs from the album, especially "Ibotso" and "Dzimba Dzemabwe", provide commentary on social ills in Zimbabwean society, in particular corruption and the struggles faced by young people. In response, a pressure group affiliated with the ruling party ZANU–PF called for Winky D's music to be banned in Zimbabwe. In March 2023, the Zimbabwe Republic Police shut down a Winky D concert in Chitungwiza just as he began to sing the song "Ibotso" leading to widespread condemnation.
Feuds
Winky D had 'beefs' with then popular dancehall artists such as Badman and Daddy D. They battled back and forth lyrically, from which he emerged as a victor en route to become the most popular Zim-dancehall act.
Winky D, alongside The General and Sniper Storm, were scheduled to perform as opening acts for Mavado.
Winky D called for peace among the zim-dancehall artists through his songs and interviews.
Partial discography
War
The Devotee
Igofigo – The Unthinkable
PaKitchen
Life Yangu
Gafa Life Kickstape
Gafa Futi
Gombwe: Chiextra
Njema
Eureka
Awards
Best Male Artist (Southern Africa) in 2022 - All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) Best album Igofigo and People’s Choice Award - National Arts Merit Awards (NAMA) 2010 Best Live Performer Award - Zimdancehall Awards 2015 People's Choice Award - National Arts Merit Awards (NAMA) 2020 Winky D won "Best Dancehall Artist" at the 2020 African Entertainment Awards USA. Best African Dancehall Entertainer at the International Reggae and World Music Awards. Best Album 2020 'Njema' - Zimdancehall Awards
See also
Afropop
Chimurenga
Mbira
Music of Zimbabwe
Shona music
References
External links
Artist's page at BlackLab Records
Biographical interview with Winky D by Jonathan Banda, Winky's producer
Winky D video – Winky D's first video
Winky D on Audiozim
Interview with Winky D , Sunday News (Zimbabwe) "Winky D is indeed here to stay", nehandaradio.com Winky D fills up HICC. . . as album launch lives up to billing Winky D tames the beast Winky D is . . . well . . . different Winky D the best artist in Zimbabwe Winky D, Jah Prayzah in game of thrones