DANCEHALL music star Winky D has turned down a US$35 000
offer to join United States-based cleric-cum-socialite Passion Java’s music
stable.
Passion Java was
apparently keen to lure Winky D after falling out with another dancehall
artiste Enzo Ishall who quit his music stable in January to join Teemak
Promotions on a three-year contract reportedly worth around US$100 000.
The controversial
cleric, whose ego was deflated after Enzo Ishall walked out on him, confirmed
dangling a one-year contract worth US$35 000 to Winky D in a leaked
conversation which has gone viral on social media platforms.
“I have offered him $35 000 yekuti ndishande navo one year
chete. Vaka-culculator vakaona kuti hazvibudi vakati haa no I can’t take the
deal. Vakatowekaweka mari dzavanonga vachigadzira per year vakaona kuti haa
hazvibudi. (After calculating his yearly earnings his team turned down my
offer.)
During the leaked
conversation, Passion Java spoke highly of Winky D, describing him as an
exceptional artiste who values and respects his brand and position in the music
industry.
“Haachazi munhu uya uya wekuti akungoitira zvinhu mari or
kana kungoitira zita but munhu ane vision yaatori kutevedzera. He knows that he
is a brand himself (Winky D has a vision; he is not just into music for money
and fame),” said the music-loving church minister
According to Java,
Winky D is one musician who has successfully transformed his brand and is now
the darling of the corporate world.
“He realised that he became so popular but without money.
He transformed his message to attract the mature audience. Now he is driving
and has a house,” said Passion Java who is bankrolling the ‘Gara Mumba Iwe’
online concert which has featured a host of popular artistes who include
sungura music giant Alick Macheso, Zimdancehall artiste Jah Signal and urban
grooves star Roki.
Contacted for
comment, Winky D’s manager Jonathan Banda confirmed the offer from Passion Java
but was unwilling to give finer details pertaining to the proposal.
“Yes something like that was presented to us but we didn’t
assent to it. This is not unusual because deals are negotiated everyday; some
prevail but others don’t,” that was all Banda could say.
Passion Java’s interest in Winky D is not surprising. The
Kambuzuma-bred musician, also known as Bigman, walked away with the People’s
Choice Award for the second consecutive year in March at the 19th edition of
the National Arts Merit Awards (Nama). His formidable brand has attracted the
endorsement of corporates such as Population Services International (PSI),
Delta Beverages which has regularly featured him in its events such as Beer
Festivals, Castle Tankard and Campus Nights. He has also regularly featured in
the popular OK Grand Challenge. Daily News
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