Wallace Chirumiko, better known by his stage name Winky D, is an acclaimed Zimbabwean reggae dancehall artist often referred to as “The Big One”.
His music is known for its profound social commentary, touching on various aspects of Zimbabwean society.
A prominent figure in the local music scene, Winky D’s work resonates with many listeners, touching on themes that are relevant and meaningful to the Zimbabwean experience.
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- Full name: Wallace Chirumiko
- Stage name: Winky D
- Date of Birth: February 1, 1983
- Age: 41
- Birthplace: Harare, Zimbabwe
- Nationality: Zimbabwe
- Occupation: Artist and songwriter
- Height: Unknown
- Parents: Mr. and Mrs. Chirumiko
- Brothers and sisters: Trevor Chirumiko
- Spouse: No
- Children: Tayenda
- Relationship: Single
- Net worth: $1 million to $5 million
Early life and education
Winky D is a Zimbabwean musician born on 1 February 1983 in Harare, Zimbabwe.
He was raised by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Chirumiko, and grew up with his brother, Trevor Chirumiko.
Winky D attended Rukudzo Primary School and later Kambuzuma High School Grade 1. His ethnicity is Zimbabwean and his religion is Christian.
Profession
Winky D is a highly successful and influential Zimbabwean musician whose music has gained worldwide recognition.
He first rose to fame in Zimbabwe through his collaboration with producer Bartholomew Vera, releasing hits such as “Rasta” and “Dead Inna War” which became dancefloor favourites.
Since then, Winky D has released 11 albums and toured extensively, attracting a large number of fans around the world, especially in the UK, the US, Asia and South Africa.
Winky D is considered an icon of Zimbabwean and African urban/reggae music. He has earned several nicknames that reflect his status, such as “The King of Dancehall”, “Gombwe” and “The Truth Teller”. In 2012, he collaborated with Albert Nyoni on a song advocating for male circumcision in Zimbabwe.
However, Winky D’s career has been marred by controversy. In 2010, he withdrew from a scheduled performance due to a disagreement with Capleton. In 2013, there were conflicting reports about his absence from President Mugabe’s inauguration.
More recently, in 2023, he released the album “Eureka Eureka” which explored social issues such as corruption in Zimbabwe, sparking calls for his music to be banned and a concert in Chitungwiza was shut down by police during the performance of the controversial song “Ibotso”.
Despite these challenges, Winky D remains a highly regarded and influential figure in the Zimbabwean and African music scene. He is known for his bold, socially conscious lyrics and his ability to resonate with audiences around the world.
Awards and nominations
- Best Male Artist 2022 (South Africa) – (AFRIMA)
- Best Album Igofigo and People’s Choice Award – National Merit in the Arts Award (NAMA) 2010
- Best Live Act – Zimdancehall Awards 2015
- People’s Choice Awards – NAMA 2020
- Winky D won the 2020 American African Entertainment Awards for Best Dancehall Artiste.
- International Reggae and World Music Awards for Best African Dancehall Artiste.
- Best Album 2020 Njema – Zimdancehall Awards
Social Media
- Instagram account: @winkyddibigman
- Twitter: @winkydonline
Personal life
Famous Zimbabwean musician Winky D has always been very private about his personal life and it is not known whether he has ever been in a relationship.
Although he mentioned the name of his child, Tayenda, it was never officially confirmed whether he was married.
Discography
- war
- The Devout
- Igofigo
- Bakich
- Life Valley
- Additive Life
- Jafafuti
- Gombewe
- Njema
- Eureka
net worth
The net worth of famous Zimbabwean musician Winky D is estimated to be around $1 million.
This huge income is largely attributed to his successful and prolific career in the music industry.
