Chief Hwenje, best known for his political hit song Mai Welly, has publicly accused flamboyant and controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo of failing to deliver on a promise to gift him a house worth US$50,000. The musician, who once benefited from Chivayo’s generosity during the businessman’s high-profile campaign of donations to ZANU PF-affiliated individuals, has now taken to social media to express his disappointment and set the record straight.
In a candid and emotional online statement, Hwenje poured out his frustrations, saying that for two years, he has had to deal with constant insults and ridicule from people who believe he was rewarded with a lavish house by Chivayo. According to him, this belief is entirely false.
“Please, it’s been two years, and I’m still being insulted in my inbox when I move around,”Chief Hwenje lamented. “Stop, guys, I didn’t get anything. The house issue was just talk that went around, and I was taken for a ride, being told I got something when I didn’t.”
The singer, who has long been associated with ZANU PF through his politically charged music, revealed that he felt misled and betrayed by Chivayo. He claimed the businessman not only made empty promises but also led the public to believe the transaction had taken place, thereby exposing him to public scorn.
Taking to his WhatsApp status, Chief Hwenje further vented his anger and disillusionment, going so far as to say he believed he had been “bewitched” over the ordeal. Though he did not provide specifics, the remark suggests the extent to which he feels emotionally and spiritually affected by what he perceives as a betrayal.
He also posted a cryptic but revealing proverb, which many believe reflects his current emotional state and the lessons he has drawn from the incident. “If you get on the wrong train, get off at the next station; the longer you stay, the more expensive the return trip will be,” he wrote.
Chief Hwenje Accuses Wicknell Chivayo of False House Promise
The message, while metaphorical, seems to serve as a personal reflection and a warning to others who might fall into similar situations. It suggests a sense of regret and introspection, indicating that Chief Hwenje now realises he may have trusted the wrong people or placed too much faith in certain promises without securing guarantees.
The revelation has sparked widespread discussion on social media, with many Zimbabweans weighing in on the dynamics between artists, politics, and the wealthy elite who wield influence in both sectors. Chivayo, known for his ostentatious lifestyle and close ties to high-ranking politicians, has made headlines over the past year for showering cars, cash, and properties on loyal ZANU PF supporters, artists, and influencers. His actions have earned him both admiration and criticism, depending on one’s political alignment.
Chief Hwenje’s case, however, shines a light on what may lie beneath the public spectacle of such generosity. For those who do not receive what they are promised, the experience can be humiliating and emotionally taxing. In Hwenje’s case, the fallout seems to have left him feeling isolated, misunderstood, and mocked by those around him.
This latest controversy follows a difficult period for the singer, who last year revealed he had been diagnosed with cancer. His health battle drew attention to the state of Zimbabwe’s healthcare system, with many citizens using the moment to criticize decades of poor funding, inadequate medical infrastructure, and a lack of government accountability.Chief Hwenje’s illness became symbolic of the wider national crisis, and now, with this new allegation against Chivayo, the singer is once again at the centre of a broader conversation about trust, power, and public image.
As reactions continue to pour in, some have called on Chivayo to publicly address Chief Hwenje’s claims. So far, the businessman has remained silent. Whether he will respond or dismiss the accusations remains to be seen.
In the meantime, Chief Shumba Hwenje’s bold decision to go public with his frustrations may inspire others to speak out about unfulfilled promises and the realities behind the headlines. His story serves as a reminder that not everything seen on social media or in the press reflects the full truth — and that for some, loyalty and public praise do not always guarantee reward.
