WINK D FROM ZERO TO HERO

Winky D is an award-winning Zimbabwe Dancehall artist popularly known as the Ninja President or Gafa for his poverty biting and poverty protesting lyrics.He is also well known for his energetic live performances which have seen him performing in numerous countries around the world icluding China

Background

He was born Wallace Chirumiko on the 1 February 1983 in Harare’s Kambuzuma suburb.

Education

He went to Rukudzo Primary School and later Kambuzuma High 1 School. His young brother is Trevor Chirumiko (Layan) who is affectionately known as Layan who is a producer and presenter on Star Fm

Early life

Winky D, became interested in music when he was 8 and took pleasure in collecting reggae audio tapes and vinyls.

Early career

When he was 16, he performed at the Ghetto Lane Clashes which were DJ battles meant to showcase the best emerging talent. He instantly made fans as he continued participating in similar platforms. It was from these shows where he earned the name 'Wicked Deejay' which was shortened Winky D for his powerful lyrics.When he started recording, his music had explicit lyrics and extolled violence, gangsterism and promiscuity. He however changed and started singing gospel music from 2013, and songs urging youths to shun using drugs.

Discography

Albums

• Gafa Life Kicks Tape (2015) Produced by Oskid
• Igofigo 'the Unthinkable' (October 2010)
• Twenty Eleven Singles Compilation (April 2011)
• Pakitchen (November 2011)
• Life Yangu (October 2012)

Having born in the ghetto, his music speaks about the everyday struggles of a ghetto child. He devoted his music to poor people’s trials and tribulations and pursuit of happiness.

In February 2015, he unleashed his 2015's theme which is based on releasing singles.He however faced numerous set-backs when he was deserted by some of his band members.He outclassed his arch rival, Seh Calaz at the Harare International Carnival's Zimdancehall night which was held in the Harare Gardens in May 2014.

Success

Winky D has been celebrated by many young Zimdancehall artists for being one of the pioneers of the genre in the country. He is also one of the long serving musicians in the industry with more than a decade of experience, He has also performed in different continents such as Europe and the Americas.

Disappear Success (Gafa Life 2015)

In 2015, Winky D's fame soared with the release of his singles collection featured the song Disappear. The singles were  produced by Oskid. The song topped the charts in Zimbabwe and was also in the BBC Radio 1 Extra Destination Africa Top 5. The song won both the NAMA 2016 Best song of year and Zimdancehall Awards 2016 Song of the year awards.

Awards

• NAMA 2016 Best Song of Year for Disappear
• Zimdancehall Awards 2016 Song of the year for Disappear
• 2014 Zimdancehall Awards for the song Rokesheni.
• NAMA for the album Igofigo and People’s Choice Award in 2010
• 2013 Zim Dancehall awards for:
• Best video-Vashakabvu
• Best Social Message-Mafirakureva
• Best Live Performer
• Best Artist and the Best Artist Manager-Banda.

2015 Zimdancehall Awards for

• Best Dressed Artist
• Honorary Award
• Best Live Performer Award
• Best Artist Manager Award

Endorsements

Winky was endorsed to be the goodwill ambassador of the PSI Zimbabwe in the male circumcision campaign in 2011. He has appered on various television commercials and on radio stations campaigning for male circumcision as part of the organisation's agenda to reduce HIVand AIDS.