“Don’t Compare Winky D Nezvinhu Zvisina Basa”: Hopewell Chin’ono
Award-winning journalist Hopewell Chin’ono has hailed dancehall star Winky D, describing him as an artist whose work goes beyond entertainment to capture the struggles and dreams of ordinary Zimbabweans.
In a passionate Facebook post, Hopewell Chin’ono urged people to stop comparing Winky D to what he called “useless things,” insisting that his music is in a class of its own.
Rejecting Comparisons to Other Musicians
Hopewell Chin’ono dismissed comparisons between Winky D and popular Jamaican artists such as Vybz Kartel and Beenie Man. He argued that while Kartel and Beenie Man are celebrated for their dancehall hits, Winky D’s music carries a much deeper social message that speaks directly to Zimbabwe’s hardships.
“Winky D is different from Kartel and Beenie Man because they are mere musicians. Winky D is like Bob Marley or Buju Banton — their music addresses social issues, they speak for the people and are the trumpets for the poor.
Winky is incomparable to all these guys he is often compared to; his music is a book of his people’s suffering, it gives them hope.
Kartel and Beenie Man, brilliant as they are, mostly gave us dance, bravado and lyrical mastery, but Winky D carries the burdens and dreams of ordinary people in Zimbabwe in a way few artists do anywhere.
Just like Bob Marley or Buju Banton, Winky’s works transcend “music”, they are conduits for social consciousness.
Winky D wraps hard truths in melody so they can slip past censorship and reach the ghetto youth’s soul,” he said.
“More Than Hits”: Chronicling Zimbabwe’s Struggles
Chin’ono went on to describe Winky D’s catalogue as “more than hits,” calling it a living record of economic pain, stolen futures, and stubborn hope. He said this was why the artist has continued to thrive despite bans and smear campaigns aimed at silencing him.
His catalogue is more than hits, it is a living record of economic pain, stolen futures and stubborn hope. That is why he survives smear campaigns and bans; people know his music is their story.
“A Mirror and a Megaphone”
Hopewell concluded by describing Winky D as both a mirror reflecting society’s challenges and a megaphone amplifying the voices of the poor.
“Winky D is not just an artist, he is a mirror and a megaphone, reminding the oppressor that the poor are still watching, still singing, and still hoping. Don’t compare him nezvinhu zvisina basa.”
Follow Us on Google News for Immediate Updates
The post “Don’t Compare Winky D Nezvinhu Zvisina Basa”: Hopewell Chin’ono appeared first on iHarare News.
