Harare – The uneasy intersection of politics and music in Zimbabwe resurfaced this week after a Zanu PF Youth League member was caught on camera removing a Wink D concert poster from a government-owned ZUPCO bus, igniting a nationwide debate on censorship, artistic freedom, and political influence in the arts.
The poster in question promoted Winky D’s upcoming Tête-à-Tête Concert, one of the most anticipated musical events of the year. In a video that quickly circulated on social media platforms, the activist is seen tearing down the poster while speaking to police officers stationed nearby.
“I have removed Winky D’s poster from the ZUPCO bus because the guy is a sellout,” the Zanu PF youth member declares in the clip, which has been viewed thousands of times within hours of being uploaded.
The incident immediately drew a mixture of condemnation and support, underscoring the deep divisions surrounding Zimbabwe’s cultural and political landscape. Critics argued that the activist’s actions reflect a growing intolerance toward artists who express opinions on social and political matters. Many pointed to Winky D’s history of engaging with socio-political themes in his music, noting that targeting him in this way could be interpreted as a form of censorship.
“This is not just about a concert poster. It’s about freedom of expression and the ability of artists to speak on issues affecting the nation,” said one prominent music industry insider. “When political actors dictate what can and cannot be promoted, it threatens the very foundation of artistic freedom.”
Social media users were quick to express outrage, with hashtags supporting Winky D trending across Twitter and Instagram. Many praised the artist for his contributions to Zimbabwean music and culture, insisting that no political affiliation should determine whether he can advertise his work. “Music belongs to the people, not the politicians,” one Twitter user wrote, echoing a sentiment shared widely online.
Political Tensions Emerge as Zanu PF Youth Member Removes Winky D Poster from ZUPCO Bus
Others, however, defended the Zanu PF youth member’s actions, arguing that government-owned resources, such as ZUPCO buses, should not be used to promote individuals who are perceived as hostile or critical toward the ruling party. “If a person consistently opposes the government, they should not be allowed to advertise on state property,” one supporter commented. “It’s about using public assets responsibly.”
The episode is emblematic of the tense relationship between Zimbabwe’s ruling party and the country’s music industry. Over the years, numerous artists have used their platforms to comment on social, economic, and political realities, sometimes earning the ire of political authorities. From social media posts to song lyrics, musicians have often found themselves caught between public adoration and political scrutiny.
Winky D, real name Collins Mukudzeyi Gomo, is one of Zimbabwe’s leading artists and a pioneer of dancehall music in the country. Known for hits that blend social commentary with entertainment, he has maintained a significant following both locally and internationally. His work has occasionally been interpreted as critical of government policies, placing him at odds with political actors in certain circles.
The ZUPCO bus incident is likely to reignite discussions about the role of government in regulating artistic expression and whether public resources should be subject to political considerations. Legal experts note that Zimbabwe’s constitution guarantees freedom of expression, which extends to artistic endeavors, suggesting that actions restricting promotional materials may face scrutiny if challenged in court.
Political analysts say the confrontation also reflects broader tensions within Zimbabwean society, where the lines between culture, politics, and public resources are increasingly blurred. “This incident is a microcosm of a larger issue,” one analyst noted. “It highlights the challenges artists face when their work intersects with political discourse and how state resources are leveraged in cultural debates.”
Despite the controversy, organizers of the Tête-à-Tête Concert have reaffirmed that the event will go ahead as planned. Concert promoters expressed confidence that fans will continue to support Winky D, underscoring that public enthusiasm for music often transcends political disagreements.
As Zimbabwe navigates these complex intersections between music and politics, the episode raises important questions about tolerance, freedom, and the boundaries of political influence over cultural spaces. Whether this incident will prompt formal policy discussions or legal challenges remains to be seen, but one fact is clear: the tension between politics and music in Zimbabwe shows no signs of fading.
For now, Winky D continues to enjoy widespread support from his fan base, while debates surrounding the ZUPCO bus incident remain active across social media and news platforms, reflecting the passionate engagement of Zimbabweans with both music and politics.
Source- ZimEye
