Zimbabwean-born UFC fighter Themba Gorimbo has sparked widespread controversy after openly celebrating the U.S. visa denial of award-winning musician Jah Prayzah. The outspoken athlete took to Facebook with a provocative message that many saw as a politically charged attack on the singer, further intensifying debates about celebrity, politics, and patriotism within the Zimbabwean diaspora.
Jah Prayzah, who had been scheduled to perform in Washington, D.C., and Dallas, Texas, as part of his “Ndini Mukudzei” world tour, was forced to cancel the U.S. leg of the tour at the last minute due to visa complications. The cancellation disappointed fans across the U.S. and ignited speculation about the underlying reasons for the visa denial.
Themba Gorimbo wasted no time in seizing the moment. In a confrontational video message posted to his official Facebook page, the UFC star implied that Jah Prayzah’s perceived alignment with Zimbabwe’s ruling Zanu-PF party may have contributed to the visa setback. Though he claimed to enjoy some of the singer’s music, Themba Gorimbo accused Jah Prayzah of being politically “off the mark” and suggested that the artist’s public associations had finally caught up with him.
“We were waiting for him to come to the USA to call ICE [Immigration and Customs Enforcement] so that his shows are sabotaged,” Themba Gorimbo said bluntly. Themba Gorimbo also said “If his visa had been granted, I was going to do so and sabotage him.”
Themba Gorimbo Stirs Controversy After Celebrating Jah Prayzah’s U.S. Visa Denial
He went on to describe the visa denial as a “clear sign” that Jah Prayzah is unwelcome in the United States, framing it as a form of poetic justice for the singer’s proximity to Zimbabwe’s political elite—particularly businessman Wicknell Chivayo, a controversial figure known for his lavish lifestyle and close relationship with Zanu-PF leadership.
While Themba Gorimbo’s message found support from some followers who share his disdain for perceived government sympathizer, it also drew swift condemnation from others who viewed his comments as vindictive and divisive. Critics argued that his stance undermines the values of unity and mutual support often advocated among Zimbabweans abroad.
Jah Prayzah, born Mukudzeyi Mukombe, has since responded to the backlash and denied that his visa issues had anything to do with political affiliations or public criticism. In a brief statement issued via social media, he attributed the cancellation to a technical glitch in the visa application process.
“We attended our visa appointments earlier this month, but due to a technical issue on our application forms, we couldn’t proceed,” he explained. “That meant restarting the process and trying to get new appointment dates—and unfortunately, none were available in time.”
Despite this clarification, skepticism continues to swirl, especially among critics who point to the singer’s frequent appearances at state-sponsored events and his known association with figures like Chivayo. Some observers argue that even if the visa refusal was procedural, Jah Prayzah’s reputation may have made the process more complicated than usual.
The incident has ignited a larger conversation about the increasingly blurred lines between entertainment and politics in Zimbabwe, where artists are often pressured—explicitly or implicitly—to align with the ruling party. For many in the diaspora, figures like Jah Prayzah are emblematic of a broader trend in which celebrities become entangled in political narratives, sometimes at the cost of their credibility.
Themba Gorimbo, never one to shy away from controversy, doubled down on his remarks in subsequent comments, suggesting that public figures who support or benefit from oppressive political systems should be held accountable—even outside Zimbabwe’s borders.
“If you sing for power, you represent power,” he posted later. “And if that power is hurting the people, then you’re part of the problem.”
His stance, while applauded by those calling for greater transparency and social responsibility from Zimbabwean celebrities, has also raised concerns about cyberbullying and the ethics of using social media to incite hostility.
In the wake of this heated exchange, fans and followers on both sides have called for reflection, dialogue, and restraint. Some argue that political differences should not devolve into personal vendettas or efforts to sabotage livelihoods, while others believe it’s time to hold influential figures accountable for the roles they play—intentionally or otherwise—in sustaining corrupt systems.
As Jah Prayzah works to reschedule his U.S. shows and salvage his tour, the controversy continues to dominate headlines, underscoring the complex interplay of fame, politics, and public opinion in Zimbabwe’s global cultural landscape. Whether this incident will mark a turning point in how artists engage with politics—or how fans hold them to account—remains to be seen.
