The sudden wave of praise for music superstar Winky D from some Zanu PF figures following the release of his latest EP, One Big Party, has been met with widespread scepticism from fans who remember years of hostility towards the artist.
For years, Winky D has found himself at odds with ruling party officials and affiliated groups over his socially and politically conscious music, with some openly calling for him to be silenced.
The latest public endorsements have therefore left many questioning whether the apparent change of heart is genuine.
Zanu PF youth league commissar Taurai Kandishaya recently took to Facebook to hail Winky D as an artist who speaks for the people.
Kandishaya has previously shown support for the musician, attending one of his concerts last year following the release of the Pa Bho EP and posting images of himself wearing Vigilance Football Club regalia.
Adding to the surprise, rapper Holy Ten — an outspoken Zanu PF supporter who previously traded barbs with Winky D despite featuring on the hit track Ibotso — recently described the reggae-dancehall icon as "number one."
The endorsements have, however, done little to convince many social media users, who view the gestures as politically calculated rather than sincere.
Some believe the ruling party is attempting to soften its image among the youth or draw closer to an artist whose influence cuts across political divides.
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Social media user Clemence Mhembere summed up the prevailing mood, writing: "You are really trying hard to capture Winky D by pretending to be nice and tolerant, and we see that."
Another commenter, using the handle Not Nice Gafa, invoked lyrics from Winky D's song 2 Nhanho: "Musandisekerere imi muchindirwisira musaga," a warning against those who smile in public while plotting against you in private.
The scepticism is rooted in a history of alleged state-backed censorship and intimidation.
Following the release of Winky D's 2023 album Eureka Eureka, songs such as Ibotso and Dzimba Dzemabwe, which touched on corruption and the country's socio-economic challenges, were reportedly removed from state-controlled radio and television playlists.
At the time, Zanu PF-linked groups, including the Economic Empowerment Group (EEG), publicly called for the artist's music to be banned, accusing him of inciting unrest.
His live performances have also faced disruption, with one concert in Chitungwiza in 2023 being halted after police officers stormed the stage.
Against that backdrop, many of Winky D's supporters are treating the recent endorsements with caution, arguing that the sudden praise contrasts sharply with years of criticism and attempts to curtail the artist's message.
