Zimbabwe's music royalty, Jah Prayzah, recently hit a major snag on his global conquest, forced to cancel highly anticipated Independence Day shows in the United States due to a visa denial.
While the official line points to "technical issues," another prominent Zimbabwean figure, UFC star Themba Gorimbo, has stepped into the ring with a cryptic message, fanning the flames of speculation that the true reason might lie closer to home – specifically, in the artist's very public association with flamboyant and controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo.
Gorimbo's Cryptic Warning
Taking to Facebook with a mix of Shona wisdom and blunt English on Friday, June 27, Gorimbo didn't mince words, even if he spoke in riddles. His post dripped with an almost prophetic warning about the unfolding situation: "Zviri kuitika, zvikaramba zvichiitika pane zvichaitika," he wrote, a Shona phrase translating to a foreboding "What is happening, if it keeps happening, will result in something happening." |
| Did Controversial Ties Ground Jah Prayzah's US Tour? |
He then added, "Once vese vakatanga kuitwa denied yah, vanogona kuzoita zviite. Nyika yave kugadzirwa ne embassy." This translates to a pointed observation that widespread denials could become a trend, suggesting a powerful external force – interpreted by many as the US Embassy – is now influencing outcomes within the country.
"Technically Not Denied"? The Veiled Reference
In what seemed like a direct, albeit carefully worded, comment on Jah Prayzah's specific situation, Gorimbo continued his post: "They treat you accordingly. I respect Mukoma [elder brother, referring to Jah Prayzah], but I think this was a sign. First sign. Kutaura pachikuru, unoti technically not denied.Ndini ndadaro." This suggests Gorimbo believes the "technical issue" explanation might be a diplomatic softening of a straightforward denial, hinting that the visa outcome is a direct consequence of perceived associations or actions.
Jah Prayzah's Official Explanation
Just a day before Gorimbo's post, Jah Prayzah (real name Mukudzeyi Mukombe) had publicly announced the cancellation of his July 4th Washington D.C. and July 5th Dallas shows. In his statement, he attributed the setback solely to a "technical issue" on his visa application forms, which prevented processing and left no time for rescheduling appointments. He reassured fans that full refunds were being issued.The Chivayo Connection: Lavish Gifts and Public Perception
Despite the official explanation, the online rumour mill immediately went into overdrive. The most persistent theory links the visa woes to Jah Prayzah's highly publicized relationship with Wicknell Chivayo. Chivayo is a controversial businessman often viewed as emblematic of wealth derived from questionable means and ties to Zimbabwe's ruling ZANU-PF party – affiliations that are under increased international scrutiny.Over the past six months, Chivayo has showered Jah Prayzah with extraordinary gifts, making the association undeniably public. These include a reported US$300,000 in cash, a luxurious 2025 Range Rover Autobiography, and multiple vehicles for his band members. Chivayo even famously pledged US$10 for every negative comment about the singer online, later delivering US$150,000 in cash based on this bizarre promise.
New US Visa Policies Underline the Risk
Critics and online commentators are pointing to these lavish displays and the close association with a politically exposed figure as potential red flags for US consular officers. This speculation aligns with new, stricter guidelines introduced by the US State Department in early 2025. These directives mandate rigorous vetting, including extensive scrutiny of applicants' social media, public affiliations, and financial connections, to ensure they don't pose a threat or misrepresent their intentions. The policy explicitly states applicants must "credibly establish their eligibility."Online Voices Weigh In
The public reaction online has been swift and largely supports the theory that the Chivayo connection was a factor. Comments like "Mbavha dzaanotamba nadzo ndidzo dzakamunyimisa visa" (The thieves he associates with are the reason he was denied a visa) and "There is nothing like a technical issue boss. Visa was just denied, it happens, and they don't give you a reason" flooded social media platforms, reflecting a common sentiment that the "technical issue" explanation is a convenient deflection from uncomfortable truths about associations.Moving Forward: Canada Dates On, US Future Uncertain
While the US dates are off for now, Jah Prayzah confirmed his Canadian tour stops in Edmonton (July 11) and Toronto (July 12) will proceed as planned. He reiterated his promise to his US fans to reschedule, stating, "I remain indebted and promise to fulfil this part of the tour in the very near future." However, with the cloud of speculation and Gorimbo's pointed remarks hanging over the situation, Jah Prayzah's US visa saga has become more than just a cancelled tour; it's a high-profile case study highlighting how public associations and perceptions in a complex political climate can dramatically impact international travel for even the biggest stars.1kVA Inverter Load Guide
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