Jah Prayzah Returns Cars and Cash from Wicknell Chivayo Amid “31 March Fear”
Harare, Zimbabwe – In a surprising turn of events, celebrated Zimbabwean musician Jah Prayzah (Mukudzeyi Mukombe) has reportedly returned luxury vehicles and cash gifts he received from controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo. This decision, sources close to the artist suggest, stems from a growing unease dubbed the “31 March Fear” – a reference to mounting public and personal concerns over Chivayo’s lavish gifting spree and its implications, especially as economic struggles persist in Zimbabwe. As of March 27, 2025, this development has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry and beyond, raising questions about the motives behind such generosity and the pressures artists face in the public eye.
The Gifts in Question
Jah Prayzah, a prominent figure in Zimbabwe’s contemporary music scene, has been one of the most notable beneficiaries of Chivayo’s high-profile car and cash donations. In January 2024, Chivayo gifted him a 2023 Mercedes-Benz S500 valued at approximately US$180,000, citing Prayzah’s music – including hits like Mudhara Vachauya and Kutonga Kwaro – as aligning with the rise of President Emmerson Mnangagwa and the ruling ZANU PF party. Later, in December 2024, following a standout performance at the Harare Shutdown Concert, Chivayo rewarded Prayzah with a Toyota Aqua for his son’s school run and US$20,000 in cash, while also gifting four Toyota Aquas to his female dancers. These acts of largesse, totaling over US$200,000 for Prayzah alone, added to Chivayo’s reputation as a flamboyant benefactor.
However, the shine of these gifts has dimmed for Prayzah amid growing scrutiny and personal reflection. The “31 March Fear” – a term coined by fans and observers – encapsulates the anxiety surrounding the end of the first quarter of 2025, as economic hardships deepen and questions about Chivayo’s wealth intensify. With Zimbabweans facing inflation, unemployment, and crumbling public services, the contrast between Chivayo’s spending and the nation’s poverty has fueled resentment.
Why the Return?
While Jah Prayzah has not issued an official statement, insiders suggest that his decision to return the cars and cash reflects a mix of ethical concerns and public pressure. In early 2025, the musician faced backlash from fans after posting a glowing New Year’s message praising Chivayo as a “blesser par excellence” who uplifts the less privileged. Many criticized this as tone-deaf, pointing to Chivayo’s controversial past – including allegations of corruption tied to the stalled Gwanda Solar Project and a disputed election materials contract in 2023 – and arguing that his gifts disproportionately benefit well-off entertainers rather than the needy.
“Jah’s fans turned on him after that post,” said a source close to the 3rd Generation Band. “They felt he was endorsing someone whose wealth is questionable while ordinary Zimbabweans can’t afford basics. The ‘31 March Fear’ isn’t just about a date – it’s about waking up to the reality of where this money comes from and what it means to keep it.”
Additionally, Prayzah’s status as a cultural icon and Zimbabwe National Army brand ambassador (with the rank of Full Colonel) may have heightened his sense of responsibility. Accepting gifts linked to political patronage risked tainting his reputation as an artist who once sang about hope and resilience for all Zimbabweans, not just the politically connected.
The Broader Context
Jah Prayzah’s move comes as other voices, including exiled musician Thomas Mapfumo, have condemned Chivayo’s gifting spree. In March 2024, Mapfumo called it a wasteful distraction from Zimbabwe’s neglected hospitals and widespread poverty, urging artists to reject such handouts. Though Prayzah initially thanked Chivayo, the mounting criticism – coupled with economic woes nearing a symbolic March 31, 2025, checkpoint – appears to have shifted his stance.
Speculation about Chivayo’s motives has also played a role. Critics, including journalist Hopewell Chin’ono, have alleged that Chivayo’s wealth stems from corrupt deals, such as a multimillion-dollar contract for election materials in 2023, and that his gifts are a means of rewarding ZANU PF loyalists. While Chivayo has denied these claims, insisting his generosity is driven by faith and love, the lack of transparency around his finances has kept the controversy alive.
Public Reaction
The news of Prayzah’s return has sparked mixed reactions. On social media platforms like X, some fans hailed it as a principled stand. “Jah Prayzah has shown he’s not just about the money. Respect!” wrote one user. Others, however, saw it as too little, too late, questioning why he accepted the gifts in the first place. “He only returned them because the heat got too much. Where was this conscience before?” another commented.
Meanwhile, Chivayo has remained silent on the matter as of March 27, 2025, though his past responses suggest he may dismiss the move as ungrateful or politically motivated. In previous interviews, he’s defended his right to spend his “hard-earned money” as he pleases, often framing criticism as jealousy.
What’s Next?
Jah Prayzah’s decision could set a precedent for other recipients of Chivayo’s gifts, including musicians like Sulumani Chimbetu, Alick Macheso, and Sandra Ndebele, who’ve also received luxury vehicles. Will they follow suit, or will they weather the storm of public opinion? For now, Prayzah’s return of the Mercedes-Benz S500, Toyota Aqua, and US$20,000 marks a bold statement in a saga that’s gripped Zimbabwe.
As the “31 March Fear” looms – symbolizing a deadline for clarity or accountability – Zimbabweans are left pondering: Is this a turning point for artists entangled in political patronage, or merely a fleeting act of defiance in a system where wealth and power often drown out principle? Only time will tell, but Jah Prayzah’s move has undeniably added a new chapter to this unfolding drama.
