By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
Zimbabwean controversial prophet Passion Java has ignited a storm of controversy by asserting that he played a role in the decision to prevent Zimdancehall icon Winky D from hosting his annual crossover show at the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC) on December 31, 2024.
The Rainbow Tourism Group, which manages the HICC, reportedly barred Winky D from using the venue after allegedly receiving nearly a quarter of a million dollars from Kudakwashe Tagwirei’s Bridging Gaps Foundation on behalf of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church.
In an interview with DJ Sparxx and Zigo, Passion Java definitively stated that he influenced the decision, accusing Winky D of disrespecting President Emmerson Mnangagwa during his last New Year’s Eve concert.
“During his 2023 show, he dissed the president, accusing him of forcibly taking the throne. On his level? Does that make sense to you? It doesn’t make sense. Then I made a video saying that those that are giving him the venue and playing him on the radio are the ones boosting his ego,” Java explained.
Defending his actions, Java claimed his motive was to teach Zimbabwe’s younger generation the importance of respecting their elders and upholding cultural values.