A lengthy new year’s message penned by contemporary musician Jah Prayzah expressing his gratitude to controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo has sparked outrage.
Jah Prayzah thanked Chivayo for the hand-outs he and his colleagues received last year, but provoked the ire of social media followers when he mentioned that the socialite's benevolence has been stretched to the poor and widows.
Social media went into a frenzy last Thursday after the Mudhara Vachauya hit maker posted on social media a heartfelt thank you poem to show appreciation and joy to Chivayo with some people saying it was “spot on” while others described it as “rubbish”, telling the musician to “focus more on his music career than bootlicking”.
“You were created with an outstretched hand, a hand that gives life to orphans, widows and the poor,” posted Jah Prayzah on his Facebook page.
“Before you, there is no stranger to the children of God, therefore, you are a blessing to this world because we have never seen such great love.
“The blessings that heaven gives you, the things you sweat for, the things you pray for and fast for are what you get from others.
“It is like a big river that says it is full and overflows, giving water to other rivers. It is like a tree that says when it is hung with fruit; it drops some to feed animals, birds and people.”
The musician added: “The gifts you give come to those who receive them in a dream like God’s rain that suddenly pours down and we throw our seeds into the ground.”
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“Your name is not raised by cursing, criticising or turning others’ souls away.
“Those who know you know you by giving like the giving of Brother Scott [Sakupwanya] giving without end like a spring.”
The viral social media post sparked debate attracting more than 15k comments on the musician’s official Facebook page in 24 hours.
There were several discussions of the issue on various Facebook pages and other social media platforms.
“I expect a natural repulsive backlash and support withdrawal from fans of Jah Prayzah after this breath-taking ignominy and so shameful disgrace,” posted Rizzy Wafa on his Facebook page.
“As a fellow artist, I am one big fan of yours and for some reason I don’t know why I am thinking that here you didn’t write because you wanted to, but you were put under pressure to improve the name of the auctioneer,” said fellow musician Cozzy Kozile CK.
“Knowing your reputation, you don’t post things that offend your fan base at all, but when you act like a joke to get support from the public that follows you.
“We all know that you have appreciated him in person and publicly when you received the car... This post was, therefore, unnecessary because we know you have done it already.
“Don’t include the poor and orphans in your appreciation post, just say your own and leave the orphans and the needy in God’s hands.
“I hope we are going to get a new album this year, let’s enjoy it. One love.”
“Jah Prayzah you are slowly losing us,” said Mama AKU and Juicyfoods.
Ruth Tafadzwa Mafuta posted: “Others are writing paragraphs thanking their fans who become supporters, and you, inside, thank the customer. Well... we learned. #2025 go where you are appreciated!”
Raider Boss did not have kind words.
“Our parents and us won’t even enjoy the riches of our country and the freedom we need because of these people,” Raider Boss said.
“They keep everything to themselves, someone can die in a hospital because they don’t have R2 000 to meet medical costs, yet one person owns a US$12 million private jet, you think that money is all his money?.
“Our forefathers would be so pissed seeing how we have been reduced to nothing like this.”
However, other people believed Jah Prayzah did a good thing arguing that any person can express their heart-warming and eloquent appreciation the way they want and Jah Prayzah as an artiste chose poetry.
“Not believing is witchcraft. Wagwiz, you too live long and your music must be found in pharmacies because it’s a medication to broken souls, Jah Prayzah,“ posted Citadel Seer said.
Uncle Shardy posted: “The comments of those who have never been given have bitterness, we can see them.”
Rue Jane Samuriwo described most people criticising Jah Prayzah of having double standards.
“Well done for appreciating him the same people who are trolling you here are also the ones clapping hands for others on Sir Wicknell’s Facebook page cheering for those who have been bought a car or given cash,” she said.
“But if he [Chivayo] is appreciated by someone else they will be angry. Sir Wicknell appreciates Jah Prayzah but the other houses don’t hate you."
Early last year, Chivayo bought Jah Prayzah a US$180 000, S500 Mercedes Benz before he gifted Toyota Aqua cars to the lanky musician and his four female dancers.
Chivayo also generously blessed Jah Prayzah with US$20 000 cash.
Last year a number of artists in Zimbabwe received posh cars from the controversial businessman whose source of wealth remains shrouded in mystery.
