Stunner Calls Out Winky D Over Rejected Collab
Event: Zim Hip Hop Awards | Claim: "I gave him two, he refused one" | Status: Winky D Silent
Hip-hop veteran Stunner (Desmond Chideme) stunned the crowd at the Zimbabwe Hip Hop Awards by using his Lifetime Achievement Award acceptance speech to publicly air a grievance against superstar colleague Winky D. The rapper claimed he was snubbed by the Gaffa despite having previously collaborated with him twice.
The incident has ignited a fierce debate within the music industry regarding entitlement, professional protocols, and the strict brand standards maintained by the Vigilance boss.
The "Call Out"
A moment of celebration turned into a moment of confrontation.
THE ACCUSATION
Stunner's Speech
"I gave Winky D two features but he refused to give me one."
THE CONTEXT
Past Collaborations
Stunner referred to previous hits like "Taitirana" (2006) and "Vane Godo", suggesting a reciprocal favor was owed but never delivered.
Deconstructing The "No"
Industry insiders suggest this wasn't a personal slight, but a business decision.
Winky D is known for being highly intentional with his brand. His music often features strong social commentary and a specific artistic vision.
Commentators suggest he does not collaborate just because a request exists; the project must align perfectly with his current creative direction, message, and professional "rank".
Industry dialogue has highlighted that "approach is everything" in high-level collaborations. The silence from Winky's camp is viewed not as disrespect but as a form of "selection" or filtering process when professional standards are not met.
Artist Profiles: Winky D & Stunner
To fully understand the dynamics behind high-profile collaboration decisions, it is important to examine the careers, influence, and artistic identities of the two musicians at the center of the discussion.
Wallace Chirumiko, professionally known as Winky D and popularly referred to as "The Big Man" or "Gafa", is one of Zimbabwe’s most influential and celebrated reggae-dancehall artists. Born on February 1, 1983, in Kambuzuma, Harare, Winky D rose from humble beginnings to become a defining voice of modern Zimbabwean music.
He began his career as a teenage deejay, sharpening his craft in the competitive “Ghetto Lane Clashes”, where his lyrical sharpness and commanding stage presence earned him the name "Wicked Deejay"—later shortened to Winky D. Over time, his artistry evolved beyond entertainment into socially conscious storytelling.
Winky D’s music is widely recognized for its emotionally charged lyrics and fearless social commentary, often addressing themes such as poverty, inequality, political accountability, and everyday struggles faced by ordinary Zimbabweans. This unapologetic honesty has earned him massive grassroots support, while also exposing him to censorship and controversy.
A pioneer of Zimdancehall, Winky D boasts a critically acclaimed discography including albums such as Njema (2020) and Eureka Eureka (2023). His impact has been recognized across the continent, notably winning Best Male Artist (Southern Africa) at the 2022 All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA). Today, Winky D is widely regarded as both a cultural icon and a meticulously guarded brand.
Desmond Tambaoga Chideme, professionally known as Stunner, is a trailblazer in Zimbabwe’s hip-hop landscape and one of the earliest artists to push the genre into the national mainstream. He is closely associated with Tazoita Cash Records, a label that played a significant role in shaping urban Zimbabwean music.
Emerging at a time when hip-hop struggled for local acceptance, Stunner carved out a lane that blended street narratives, lyrical bravado, and commercial appeal. His work helped legitimize Zimbabwean hip-hop as a viable genre alongside sungura, gospel, and dancehall.
Beyond his musical output, Stunner is recognized for his influence on a generation of upcoming rappers who saw in him proof that hip-hop could thrive within the Zimbabwean cultural context. His longevity and contribution to the genre earned him a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Zimbabwe Hip Hop Awards.
While his career has included moments of controversy and reinvention, Stunner remains an important figure in Zimbabwean music history—representing ambition, genre pioneering, and the early foundations of local hip-hop culture.
A History of Selectivity
Stunner is not the only high-profile figure to hit a brick wall with Winky D.
THE $35,000 REJECTION
Passion Java
Socialite Passion Java previously claimed Winky D turned down a massive USD $35,000 offer for a feature/endorsement, proving that money is not the primary motivator for the Gaffa.
Public Verdict
While some sympathize with Stunner's frustration, public opinion largely leans toward the idea that the request likely did not meet Winky D's specific creative criteria at the time.
True to form, Winky D has maintained his characteristic silence on the drama.
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