Flamboyant businessman Wicknell Chivayo is showing no signs of stopping his extravagant gifts to musician Jah Prayzah, extending his generosity to the artist’s band members and manager following the release of the album Ndini Mukudzeyi.
In a Facebook announcement, Chivayo expressed his appreciation for Jah Prayzah’s latest work and unveiled a new wave of gifts. This follows his recent high-profile presents to the musician, which included a 2025 Range Rover Autobiography and US$150 000 in cash.
Chivayo has openly linked his acts of generosity to individuals aligned with the ruling Zanu PF party and President Emmerson Mnangagwa. The ongoing relationship between the businessman and the musician has sparked both admiration and debate, with some celebrating the financial boost to the arts while others question Chivayo’s motives.
Addressing critics who have speculated about a romantic relationship with Jah Prayzah, Chivayo dismissed these claims, stating, “Pane vari kurwadziwa vapererwa vakutoti ini ndino danana naye (Jah Prayzah) ndiri ngochani”, which translates to “There are some who are pained and lost, claiming that I am in a relationship with him (Jah Prayzah) and that I am homosexual.”
His remarks suggest that further gifts may be on the horizon.
This latest spending spree saw Jah Prayzah's manager, Keen Mushapaidze, receive a Mercedes Benz C-Class or another vehicle valued at US$25 000. Furthermore, 10 senior members of Jah Prayzah's band were gifted Toyota Aquas, with the remaining 16 members expected to receive theirs periodically leading up to Heroes Day celebrations. Chivayo also extended his generosity to general workers and security guards at Jah Prayzah's offices and studio.
According to figures compiled last week by the Standard Style, Chivayo had already spent approximately US$662 000 on Jah Prayzah since 2017. With this week's additional expenditure of US$285 000 (excluding the gifts for general workers), his total spending on the musician now stands at US$947 000, just US$53 000 short of reaching a million dollars.
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