“This was a sign”: Themba Gorimbo reacts to US Embassy denying Jah Prayzah visa
Zimbabwean-born UFC fighter Themba Gorimbo has broken his silence on Jah Prayzah’s visa woes, subtly hinting that the musician’s close association with controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo may have contributed to the denial of his US visa — despite official explanations citing “technical issues.”
Taking to Facebook on Friday, 27 June, Gorimbo posted a layered and emotional message in both Shona and English, describing the development as a sign of things to come.
“Zviri kuitika, zvikaramba zvichiitika pane zvichaitika,”
(What is happening, if it keeps happening, will result in something happening.)
He added:
“On[c]e vese vakatanga kuitwa denied yah, vanogona kuzoita zviite. Nyika yave kugadzirwa ne embassy.”
(Once all of them start getting denied, then the pattern will be set. Our country is now being fixed by the US Embassu.)
Gorimbo then made a direct, albeit veiled, reference to Jah Prayzah, stating:
“They treat you accordingly. I respect Mukoma but I think this was a sign. First sign. Kutaura pachikuru, unoti technically not denied. Ndini ndadaro.”
(They treat you based on what they see. I respect the elder brother, but I think this was a sign. The first one. To make it more palatable you say, technically not denied? I am the one who said it.)
Jah Prayzah blames “technical issue” on forms
Jah Prayzah, real name Mukudzeyi Mukombe, was set to perform in Washington D.C. on 4 July and Dallas, Texas on 5 July as part of his “Ndini Mukudzei” world tour. But on Thursday, the singer posted a heartfelt message announcing that he had been forced to cancel the US leg of the tour due to visa issues.
“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.”
Jah Prayzah also said:
“I know many of you had already made travel plans, booked hotels, and secured your tickets, and I was just as ready to give you the show you deserve. Full refunds will be made for those who bought tickets ahead of time.”
He dismissed claims that his visa was refused due to political ties or social media scrutiny, and expressed gratitude to the US Consulate, DJ Nhunzi, and Xcelerate, who had tried to help.
“The U.S. Consulate was supportive and tried to assist in every possible way they could, but some things are simply beyond anyone’s control.”
Despite this, many on social media questioned the explanation, pointing to his well-documented friendship with Wicknell Chivayo, a controversial Zimbabwean businessman often linked to high-level government corruption and ZANU-PF patronage networks.
Spotlight falls on Chivayo’s extravagant gifts
Chivayo has showered Jah Prayzah with luxurious gifts including US$300,000 cash (approximately R5.5 million) in just the past 6 months. In May 2025, after the launch of Jah Prayzah’s album Ndini Mukudzei, Chivayo gifted the singer a 2025 Range Rover Autobiography and US$150,000 in cash (approx. R2.75 million).
He posted on Facebook:
“As I promised before… your brand new 2025 Range Rover Autobiography is FULLY PAID FOR and ready for collection. In addition, please collect your US$150,000 in CASH as promised.”
Earlier, in January 2025, Chivayo had also responded to a social media backlash against Jah Prayzah by pledging US$10 per negative comment in support of the artist. He eventually delivered the promised US$150,000.
Chivayo also gifted 10 senior members of Jah Prayzah’s Third Generation Band with brand-new vehicles and promised to deliver more to the remaining 16 members by August 2025.
This level of visible wealth — and proximity to a controversial figure — has raised eyebrows among fans and critics alike. Some have speculated that US visa officers may have flagged the source of these gifts, or the political connections behind them.
“Mbavha dzaanotamba nadzo ndidzo dzakamunyimisa visa,” wrote one user on X.
(The thieves he associates with are the reason he was denied a visa.)
Another added:
“There is nothing like a technical issue boss. Visa was just denied, it happens, and they don’t give you a reason.”
Others questioned why expedited processing wasn’t offered to an artist with international stature and pre-arranged shows.
New US visa rules could be a factor
Jah Prayzah’s visa challenge coincides with new US Department of State guidance, issued in early 2025, which instructs consular officers to conduct comprehensive vetting of all applicants. This includes scrutiny of social media activity, public associations, and overall “intent.”
According to the directive:
“The United States must be vigilant during the visa issuance process. Applicants must credibly establish their eligibility and prove that they will engage only in permitted activities.”
Although Jah Prayzah did not directly reference the policy, Gorimbo’s message and widespread speculation have placed renewed attention on how these rules may be affecting Zimbabwean public figures.
Despite the US cancellation, Jah Prayzah confirmed that his Canada shows in Edmonton on 11 July and Toronto on 12 July will go ahead as planned. He also assured fans that new US dates will be announced in the future.
“I remain indebted and promise to fulfil this part of the tour in the very near future,” he said.
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The post “USA Haina Chizivano”: Themba Gorimbo Claims Jah Prayzah’s Visa Denial Was A Warning Sign appeared first on iHarare News.
