Controversial businessman and self-styled philanthropist Wicknell Chivayo has ignited fresh debate after publishing a detailed record of individuals who have benefited from his luxury car and cash giveaways over the past several years. The document, released on Friday under the title “Wicknell_Chivayo_Gifts_With_Ranges,” confirmed what many had long speculated: award-winning musician Jah Prayzah is the single biggest beneficiary of Chivayo’s generosity.
Jah Prayzah: The Star Recipient
According to the list, Jah Prayzah’s name features prominently across multiple years, stretching from 2017 to 2025. The celebrated musician has reportedly received not only luxury vehicles but also large sums of cash, including gifts directed toward his band members.
The published breakdown reveals:
2017 – Cash payments of $10,000 and $2,000
2023 – A Mercedes-Benz valued at $180,000
2024 – Another Mercedes-Benz worth $180,000
2024 – A Toyota Aqua valued at between $9,500 and $10,000
2024 – A cash payment of $20,000
2024 – A Toyota vehicle valued at $38,000–$40,000
2025 – A Range Rover estimated between $300,000 and $400,000
2025 – Vehicles for 10 senior members of his band
With at least seven direct entries on the list, Jah Prayzah’s benefits add up to hundreds of thousands of dollars in gifts. The disclosures effectively cement his position as the most frequently rewarded personality in Chivayo’s portfolio.
The list does not stop with Jah Prayzah. Chivayo, who has been linked to both political and religious circles, appears to have spread his largesse widely. Notable recipients include:
Sulumani Chimbetu – A Mercedes-Benz valued at $140,000 in 2022
Sandra Ndebele – A 2024 Mercedes-Benz priced at $155,000
Chief Hwenje – A Toyota Hilux worth $100,000 in 2025
Prophet Walter Magaya – A Maybach GLS600 worth $450,000 plus $100,000 in cash in 2025
Mai Chisamba – A Toyota valued at $50,000–$55,000 in 2024
20 church ushers – Each given a car, with the total value ranging between $1 million and $1.5 million
Mapositori groups – 13 cars worth between $50,000 and $100,000 collectively
11 church leaders – Collectively received 11 vehicles valued at over $500,000
The extensive list includes entertainers, religious leaders, traditional chiefs, and ZANU PF-linked personalities.
Wicknell Chivayo Reveals Jah Prayzah Tops His List of Car Gift Recipients
Reactions to the publication have been mixed. Supporters argue that the move reflects transparency and offers proof of Chivayo’s generosity. His defenders say the gifts should be seen as part of his philanthropic mission to uplift Zimbabwean cultural icons, religious figures, and communities.
Critics, however, interpret the spreadsheet as a calculated act of showmanship. They point to lingering questions over the source of the funds and Chivayo’s connections to lucrative government contracts, particularly in the energy and construction sectors. In recent years, Chivayo has been awarded multi-million-dollar tenders under circumstances that some observers argue lacked transparency.
For skeptics, the spectacle of giving away luxury cars in a country battling economic hardships paints a picture of elite excess rather than benevolence. “This is not charity; it’s power projection,” one analyst remarked, suggesting that the giveaways help Chivayo solidify influence in both entertainment and religious spaces.
Notably, neither Jah Prayzah nor many of the other beneficiaries listed have commented publicly on the disclosures. The absence of statements has only fueled speculation about how the recipients view the sudden publicity surrounding their gifts. Authorities have also not indicated whether the revelations will prompt financial audits or formal investigations.
Chivayo Reveals Jah Prayzah Has Received More Cars from Him Than Anyone
On social media, reactions have been intense. Some Zimbabweans praised Chivayo for supporting musicians and religious institutions, arguing that such gestures help preserve culture and morale. Others, however, questioned the timing of the list’s publication, suggesting it was meant to deflect attention from growing public scrutiny over Chivayo’s business dealings.
The debate also touched on Zimbabwe’s economic realities. With many citizens facing unemployment, high inflation, and struggling public services, the display of wealth has been seen by some as a stark contrast to the daily struggles of ordinary people.
Chivayo’s decision to release the list comes at a time when public scrutiny of his activities has intensified. His ties to high-level officials and his ability to secure large-scale government projects without competitive bidding have placed him under the spotlight. Publishing the list may have been intended to reshape the narrative, portraying him as a benefactor rather than a businessman benefiting disproportionately from state-linked contracts.
Yet the disclosures have arguably deepened the controversy, sparking questions about priorities in a nation where many hospitals lack basic equipment and schools operate without sufficient resources.
By publicly documenting years of car and cash donations, Wicknell Chivayo has ensured that both his supporters and detractors have new fuel for debate. For fans of Jah Prayzah, the revelations highlight the musician’s special relationship with one of Zimbabwe’s most polarizing figures. For critics, the spreadsheet is less about generosity and more about influence, wealth, and unanswered questions.
What remains clear is that Chivayo’s announcement has again thrust him into the national spotlight — and reignited conversations about money, power, and accountability in Zimbabwe.
Source- ZimEye
