In a move set to electrify the Zimbabwean entertainment scene and temporarily unify a deeply polarised fan base, music heavyweights Winky D and Jah Prayzah are confirmed to co-headline a massive New Year’s Eve concert in Harare.
The highly anticipated event, titled One Big Party, will take place on December 31 at the Hockey Stadium within the National Sports Stadium grounds. This joint billing is a landmark moment, bringing the country’s two most influential contemporary artists together on the same platform to close out the year, fuelling excitement and reviving the long-running debate over who truly deserves the title of Zimbabwean music’s Greatest Of All Time (GOAT).
For over a decade, the careers of Winky D and Jah Prayzah have run on parallel, yet competitive, tracks, creating a dynamic rivalry often compared to major international music feuds but infused with unique Zimbabwean sociopolitical undertones.
Jah Prayzah, known for his Afro-fusion, contemporary sound, and signature military-style uniform, represents institutional respectability, pan-African modernity, and crossover success. His fan base often celebrates his commercial success, international collaborations (like those with Diamond Platnumz), and ability to appeal across generational and class lines.
Winky D, the undisputed Zimdancehall "Gafa," embodies the voice of the marginalised, urban youth struggles, and political consciousness. His lyrical depth, often containing coded social commentary, has made him a hero to his loyal following, the "Gafa Family," who see him as a fearless mouthpiece for the common citizen.
This difference in identity has historically defined their feud. While the artists themselves occasionally downplay the competition—Jah Prayzah once stated he is "not threatened" but inspired—their simultaneous album and video releases (such as Winky D’s MuGarden and Jah Prayzah’s Kunerima in 2019) are consistently interpreted by the media and fans as direct competition, with YouTube view counts becoming the immediate battleground.
The question of "Who is the GOAT?" extends far beyond album sales or chart performance. The debate is often a reflection of deeper societal divides, aligning fans based on class, age, and political sentiment
The Winky D Camp argues for his social relevance and lyrical content, positioning him as the true heir to Zimbabwean protest music legends like Thomas Mapfumo. His fans value his longevity in the tough Zimdancehall genre and his consistent focus on social justice.
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The Jah Prayzah Camp points to his masterful musicianship, dynamic live band, and ability to blend traditional Chimurenga and Jit rhythms with modern production, achieving unparalleled international recognition and redefining the sound of contemporary Zimbabwean music.
While the rivalry is a constant source of conversation and energy in the local arts industry, the rarity of their joint performance is seen by promoters and music lovers as a powerful force for unity.
The One Big Party on December 31, organised by award winning and seasoned promoter Chipaz Promotions is expected to draw thousands eager to witness both titans unleash their respective catalogues back-to-back. Fans hope that sharing the stage will momentarily bridge the ideological gaps between the Gafa Family and the Third Generation, allowing everyone to celebrate the collective richness and vitality of Zimbabwean music. The show promises to be a spectacular end-of-year production, signalling that even in competition, these two giants ultimately champion the same culture.
