Religious Leader Claims Role in Blocking Music Star's Concert.
A Zimbabwe church leader says he helped stop a famous singer from performing on New Year's Eve. Passion Java told reporters he worked to prevent Winky D from using the Harare International Conference Centre.
The venue turned away Winky D after getting money from a church group. Reports say the Seventh-Day Adventist Church paid almost $250,000 through the Bridging Gaps Foundation.
Java said he acted because Winky D had spoken against President Emmerson Mnangagwa at past shows. He claimed the singer showed poor respect toward leaders.
"Winky D has influence but causes problems," Java said in the local language. He added that he made a video to stop people from giving Winky D concert spaces or radio time.
Java defended his choice. He said he wants young people to learn Zimbabwe's culture of respecting elders. "You can't question or speak badly about older people," Java explained.
People on social media disagreed with Java's actions. Many said he just wanted attention. They pointed out that Java copies other artists' styles and hasn't filled venues himself.
Some users questioned Java's story. They noted the space had been booked for a different church event. Others called him names like "failed Michael Jackson copy" and "attention seeker."
The case has sparked debate about free speech and respect in Zimbabwe's music scene. Winky D remains one of the country's most popular performers, known for his songs about social issues.
A Zimbabwe church leader says he helped stop a famous singer from performing on New Year's Eve. Passion Java told reporters he worked to prevent Winky D from using the Harare International Conference Centre.
The venue turned away Winky D after getting money from a church group. Reports say the Seventh-Day Adventist Church paid almost $250,000 through the Bridging Gaps Foundation.
Java said he acted because Winky D had spoken against President Emmerson Mnangagwa at past shows. He claimed the singer showed poor respect toward leaders.
"Winky D has influence but causes problems," Java said in the local language. He added that he made a video to stop people from giving Winky D concert spaces or radio time.
Java defended his choice. He said he wants young people to learn Zimbabwe's culture of respecting elders. "You can't question or speak badly about older people," Java explained.
People on social media disagreed with Java's actions. Many said he just wanted attention. They pointed out that Java copies other artists' styles and hasn't filled venues himself.
Some users questioned Java's story. They noted the space had been booked for a different church event. Others called him names like "failed Michael Jackson copy" and "attention seeker."
The case has sparked debate about free speech and respect in Zimbabwe's music scene. Winky D remains one of the country's most popular performers, known for his songs about social issues.
