Winky D also known as Di Bigman is undoubtedly one of Zimbabwe’s finest dancehall artists who has also become popularly known as Messi we Reggae for his outstanding performances.
His exuberance and energy on stage have seen him outshining international artists on various local platforms and also giving memorable shows internationally.
NewsDay Entertainment Reporter Melissa Mpofu caught up with award-winning star and the following is what he had to say about himself.
ND: What is your birth name and how old are you? Winky D: My birth name is Wallace Chirumiko. I am old enough to be “Di Bigman” musically as I have devoted my music to poor people’s trials and tribulations and pursuit of happiness. And socially, I am old enough because I have already “ninjafully” conquered in more battles than can come in any lifetime.
ND: When did you start your musical career?
Winky D: I was born musically and I played and sang to rhythms in my mummy’s belly. The organic inspiration came in as soon as I felt the appalling situation we have to struggle within in the ghetto and this was my first day on Mother Earth.
ND: Are you married or in a relationship?
Winky D: Rasta is an African king and so is complete with an African queen. Those are the simple orders of life in its fullness thus the Most High God will guide and pave the way for me to settle. I am not married but heavily responsible for the family I owe my life to that is, my mother, brethrens, sistrens (brothers and sisters) and cousins.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
ND: Who is your role model?
Winky D: I don’t model any role; instead the poor people’s lives and challenges are my unending source of both organic and cosmic inspiration.
ND: Where did you get the Maninja idea from?
Winky D: Maninja or Ninjas are the people living life and devising strategies and tactics to conquer adversity at an unthinkable, unfathomable, incomprehensible pace. Ninjas are actually faster than bullets, this is quite critical of us in the ghetto where new dimensions of poverty present themselves faster than seconds.
ND: How many tracks and albums do you have all in all?
Winky D: I don’t know how many songs I have because music is life, I sing every day so don’t be deceived by your counting of albums because a few minutes ago I was in the studio. So far my albums include The People’s Devotee, Chatsva, Cum 2 Tek Ova, Igofigo, Vanhu Vakuru and at least two singles compilations per year since 2005.
ND: Which countries have you toured so far?
Winky D: I have been to the UK, South Africa, Australia and North America.
ND: How many awards have you won?
Winky D: I won the 2008 Zim Dancehall Awards with the song Rokesheni and I also won two Nama awards for the album Igofigo and indeed the 2010 People’s Choice award.
ND: Do your lyrics about the ghettos have anything to do with your background?
Winky D: My music centres on the life we live as poor people, our reaction to our environment is what I artistically voice using all strategies I can.
ND: How do you handle your fame?
Winky D: I am not famous in the way you would want to take it. However, I pen lyrics that empower and lead the ghetto ninja constituency in face of the tribulations.
ND: You seem to create fireworks everywhere you perform. How do you do it?
Winky D: I don’t trick anyone when it comes to performance. I always lay live lyrics if I don’t have instruments and give people the best they deserve.
ND: Any advice to other artists who want to make it big in the arts industry?
Winky D: They should just be themselves and preach righteous and heartfelt messages to uplift the poor people and never take any shortcuts as they are the longest.
ND: When can fans expect a new album from you?
Winky D: Always I urge people not to expect anything from the “Bigman” but just the unthinkable, so about the next album, expect it when you don’t expect it. ND: What advice can you give to the youths of Zimbabwe?
Winky D: Be true to yourself and don’t be limited like companies in your struggle for bettering yourselves. Always humble yourself before trials and conquer righteously, I won’t finish . . .
