Zimbabwe’s Music Industry – A growing wave of public appeals by Zimbabwean musicians—mostly targeting flamboyant businessman Wicknell Chivayo—has sparked national debate and concern over what critics are calling the “normalisation of begging” in the country’s creative industries. Once celebrated for their talent and tenacity, many artists are now increasingly visible for their online pleas for vehicles, money, and basic support rather than their music.
Chivayo, a controversial figure known for his extravagant displays of wealth, has become a magnet for artists seeking financial rescue. In recent months, he has handed out luxury cars and large cash donations to several musicians. Social media has become the primary stage for these solicitations, with entertainers tagging Chivayo in posts, singing his praises in songs, or openly asking for gifts—hoping to be next in line.
While some musicians have benefitted from his generosity, critics argue that the trend undermines the dignity and independence of artists, encouraging a culture of dependency that exposes deep-rooted problems in Zimbabwe’s entertainment ecosystem—ranging from poor financial planning to structural neglect.
Among the most talked-about cases is that of Tongai “Greatman” Gwaze, a disabled musician who won hearts for his determination to rise against the odds. After what appeared to be ignored pleas to Chivayo, his fans launched a GoFundMe campaign that raised over US$10,000—enough to purchase a vehicle for him. However, rather than signalling an end to his appeals, Greatman continued seeking support online, prompting backlash from supporters who now view his conduct as excessive.
Observers say such scenarios illustrate a shift in artist-fan dynamics—where Zimbabwe musicians increasingly rely on public charity, and supporters grow weary of what they perceive as unending demands.
Zimbabwean Musicians Accused of Reducing Themselves to Beggars
The contrast between today’s artists and yesteryear legends could not be more striking. Late sungura icon Tongai Moyo—affectionately known as Dhewa—remains a benchmark for professionalism and self-respect. Even as he battled terminal illness, Moyo never turned to public sympathy or social media begging. He performed until his final days and leaned only on close friends for support when necessary.
Many lament that today’s generation of entertainers has abandoned such values in favour of shortcuts and social media theatrics.
The trend has spilled into other artistic spheres beyond music. From film to literature, once-revered names are now more visible for their public pleas than for their work. Veteran performers and creatives, many of whom helped shape Zimbabwe’s cultural identity, find themselves sidelined and often forgotten—leading some to voice frustrations online in the hope of assistance.
This has led to widespread concern over generational neglect, with younger artists being criticised for failing to support or honour the pioneers who paved the way.
Veteran musician and cultural activist Kireni Zulu is among those who have publicly condemned the practice. “We risk being stripped of our dignity if this begging continues,” he said in a recent interview. Zulu urged artists to focus on building legacies rather than becoming dependent on temporary handouts. He also called out the expectation that protégés must support their mentors, arguing that any such help should be voluntary—not driven by guilt or coercion.
Barbara “Mama Red Rose” Chikosi, a former music promoter who transitioned successfully into real estate, also weighed in. She said the current state of affairs is largely the result of poor financial planning. “Most of these celebrities at the peak of their careers failed to diversify,” she said. “They invested everything in music and didn’t think about tomorrow.”
She urged current artists to adopt a business mindset and take control of their futures. “Talent alone is not enough. Strategy, investment, and planning are the new essentials,” she stressed.
Among the more heartbreaking appeals is that of sungura legend Madzibaba Nicholas Zakaria, who recently asked for food hampers and medical assistance. Despite his iconic status, he is reportedly struggling with health challenges and financial hardship.
First Farai, another veteran who also serves on the Zimbabwe Music Rights Association (ZIMURA) board, publicly asked for a vehicle and musical equipment to help him remain active in music. Tedious Matsito Jnr and Sugar Sugar (Taruvinga Manjokota) have followed suit with similar pleas, highlighting just how widespread the problem has become.
Though Chivayo has won applause from some quarters for “empowering” artists, others argue his selective gifting fuels toxic competition and dependency. Tribute songs, shout-outs, and viral praise videos are increasingly viewed as attempts to court his attention—and win his favour.
What remains in doubt is whether this short-term relief offers any sustainable path forward. Critics fear that this trend merely masks the deeper failures of the creative industry, such as lack of funding models, royalties mismanagement, and inadequate welfare for retired or aging artists.
As more Zimbabwe musicians line up for handouts, the social media profiles of Zimbabwe’s entertainers now tell a sobering story: one not of artistic brilliance or innovation, but of desperation in an industry still struggling to stand on its own feet.
Source- ZimEye
