Flamboyant preacher and self-styled prophet Passion Java has once again ignited social media controversy — this time after boasting about the cost of his “luxurious” outfit, only for internet users to uncover that it sells for just US$23 online.
The outspoken preacher, known for his extravagant lifestyle and flashy social media presence, posted a photo of himself dressed in a gold-and-black “Pharaoh” costume, claiming it was worth more than musician Baba Harare’s annual rent. His post, written in Shona, read:
“Cost ye makeup iyo inobhadhara rent ya Baba Harare ye gore rese!!!”
(“The cost of my makeup alone can pay Baba Harare’s rent for a whole year!!!”)
In the same post, Passion Java mockingly referred to Baba Harare — the popular Theresa hitmaker — as “Winky D’s curtain raiser,” sparking a flood of reactions online. His fans and critics alike filled the comment section with laughter, emojis, and playful jabs. For a brief moment, it seemed like another episode in Java’s long-running show of flamboyance and self-promotion.
But the celebration was short-lived. Within hours, eagle-eyed social media users had identified the exact same “Pharaoh King” outfit being sold on Temu, an online marketplace, for a mere US$23.38 — complete with free shipping. Screenshots of the listing, showing identical gold trimming and fabric design, quickly went viral.
One Facebook user mockingly shared side-by-side images of Java’s photo and the Temu listing, captioning them:
“Pane azongo dzizoomer ku Temu,”
which translates to, “Someone just zoomed in on Temu.”
Another commenter quipped: “Outfit price tiona already paTemu 😂😂😂.” Others joined in the mockery, with remarks like, “23 dollars chete! Mari ye maBuns!” (“Just 23 dollars! That’s bread money!”) and “Pane varikuti finished in Zim is called Passion Java 🤣🤣🤣.”
Prophet Passion Java’s ‘Luxury’ Pharaoh Outfit Exposed as Cheap US$23 Online Purchase
The “Egyptian Pharaoh King Outfit,” described on Temu as a polyester costume ideal for Halloween parties, hardly matched the image of grandeur and wealth that Java had projected. For many Zimbabweans, the incident reinforced suspicions that some of the nation’s celebrity pastors exaggerate their wealth to maintain online personas and social media relevance.
Java, who leads the Passion Java Ministries and often refers to himself as a prophet, is well-known for his eccentric fashion choices and boastful displays of luxury. His social media pages are filled with videos of designer clothing, flashy cars, private jets, and lavish events. He often uses these displays to promote what he calls “the gospel of success.”
However, this latest episode has backfired spectacularly. Instead of admiration, the preacher found himself the target of ridicule across multiple platforms — from Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) to TikTok. Memes comparing Java’s “royal” look to low-cost Halloween costumes flooded timelines, with many accusing him of being out of touch and obsessed with attention.
The controversy also reignited a broader debate about the culture of performative wealth among Zimbabwe’s so-called “men of God.” Critics argue that Java and others like him use social media theatrics to attract followers and donations, creating a distorted image of success that influences young people to equate material display with divine favour.
Religious commentator and social critic Dr. Tawanda Nyabinde noted that the incident was emblematic of a deeper social issue. “We are living in a time where spiritual authority is being confused with social media popularity,” he said. “Figures like Passion Java thrive on visibility and shock value. The problem is that such behaviour cheapens the moral authority that the church is supposed to represent.”
Meanwhile, Baba Harare — who became the unintended subject of Java’s taunts — has chosen to remain silent on the matter. His fans, however, have defended him vigorously, praising his humility and suggesting that he doesn’t need to engage in public drama.
“Baba Harare is focused on his craft, not costumes,” one supporter commented. “While others are busy pretending to be Pharaohs, he’s making real music.”
As the memes continue to circulate, it seems Passion Java’s attempt to flaunt his supposed wealth has achieved the opposite effect. Rather than reinforcing his image as a wealthy, influential prophet, the US$23 revelation has added another chapter to his long list of internet embarrassments — one that Zimbabweans won’t soon forget.
Source- ZimEye
