Winky D earns prestigious nomination at International Reggae and World Music Awards

ZIMSPHERE 

HARARE – Zimbabwean music icon Winky D has garnered international recognition after being nominated for the 42nd edition of the International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA). The celebrated Zimdancehall legend is in the running for the coveted Best African Dancehall Entertainer award, solidifying his status as one of Africa’s leading voices in the genre.  

Winky D, who recently released the ‘Pabho EP’

The awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on March 30, 2025, at the Coral Springs Centre for the Arts in Florida, United States.  

In announcing the nomination, IRAWMA extended its congratulations to the musician via social media, saying: “We at IRAWMA want to congratulate Winky D. of Zimbabwe for being nominated for the 42nd International Reggae & World Music Awards for Best African Dancehall Entertainer!”  

Winky D’s nomination comes at a time when the artist is enjoying a wave of acclaim for both his music and his steadfast commitment to his principles. Known for his bold and fearless approach, Winky D has recently been making headlines for his critical stance on societal excesses and corruption.  

The veteran chanter drew attention during a recent live performance, where he indirectly took aim at controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo. In a pointed verse, Winky D declared that he would “not be bought by a car” and vowed never to “sell out,” a clear reference to other local celebrities who have publicly accepted vehicles from Chivayo.  

Chivayo, a businessman often embroiled in corruption allegations, spent much of 2024 showering gifts—including cars—on prominent figures such as musicians, footballers, civil servants, and radio personalities. Winky D’s refusal to participate in this trend generally underscores his steadfast commitment to integrity—a stance that has often placed him at odds with Zimbabwe’s political elite, but in love with the masses of his audience. 

Despite past tensions with Zimbabwe’s ruling Zanu PF party, Winky D remains unapologetically outspoken.

The release of his latest project, Pabho EP, on February 1—his birthday—has further cemented his role as a champion of the masses. The EP sounds more of an anti-establishment project, with Winky D railing against the elite for the excesses of their misrule which has plunged the masses into untold suffering. It is an EP in which he stands tall and stands true to his values, unwavering in his commitment towards speaking truth to power. 

Its themes of accountability and justice resonate deeply with his audience, making it a likely factor in the adjudication process for the IRAWMA nomination.  

Winky D's nomination for the IRAWMA award definitely stands as an indisputable sign of his growing influence on the global music stage. 

As he competes against other top African dancehall artists, the recognition highlights his ability to blend artistry with activism, using his platform to challenge injustices and inspire change. Even though this makes him a much-maligned figure among some of Zimbabwe's (ruling) elites.