Ndingori muverengi wenhau chete: ZBC News Anchor Distances Himself from Winky D Controversy
Zayn Jammo, a news anchor at ZBC, sparked controversy on social media when he failed to mention Winky D’s name while reporting on Bob Marley’s tribute album. Jammo later took to social media to address the controversy. In a statement, Jammo distanced himself from the ongoing drama, stating that he was merely following instructions from his bosses. This statement comes after social media erupted when Jammo mentioned only one of the featured artists, Nutty O, during a news segment, causing dissatisfaction among Winky D’s fans, another popular artist set to appear on the album.
“Ini ndiri muverengi wenhau chete, handina pfumo handina bakatwa. Musandikande pasi kunge bakatwa,” posted Zayn.
Unprecedented Censorship Campaign
In a startling development, Zimbabwe’s celebrated dancehall artist Winky D is facing an unprecedented censorship campaign by state-run media outlets. Senior staffers at ZBC, Zimpapers, and radio station Star FM have confirmed receiving an unwritten order to exclude Winky D from their programming. This censorship began shortly after the release of Winky D’s highly anticipated album, “Eureka Eureka,” on December 31 last year. The Economic Empowerment Group (EEG) even called for state security and censorship boards to prevent Winky D from performing within the country altogether.
Confirmation of the Ban
Producers at ZBC Pockets Hill confirmed the existence of the directive not to play Winky D’s songs. A producer disclosed that they were given clear instructions not to play Winky D’s music and were not allowed to challenge the decision. A presenter from Star FM also revealed that they are no longer permitted to play any of Winky D’s music. This exclusion of Winky D from the airwaves has ignited debates surrounding artistic freedom and media independence in Zimbabwe.
Winky D’s Freedom Under Threat
Critics argue that such bans stifle creativity and limit the voices of artists who aim to express themselves and address societal issues through their music. The exclusion of Winky D from the airwaves has sparked discussions about the importance of artistic freedom and the potential dangers of media censorship. Supporters of Winky D and other artists facing similar challenges believe that music plays a crucial role in reflecting the realities of society and advocating for change.
A Blow to Fans and Industry
The ban on Winky D’s music has not only disappointed his fans but has also raised concerns about the impact on the music industry as a whole. Many believe that the exclusion of artists like Winky D from mainstream media platforms hinders their ability to reach a wider audience and limits their opportunities for growth and success. It also raises questions about the impartiality and independence of state-run media outlets.
