Jah Prayzah Removed from Jacaranda Music Festival over Wicknell Links

The Jacaranda Music Festival is Zimbabwe’s premier annual music and cultural event, held every October in Harare, typically at the Thorn Park Polo Grounds. Established in 2017, the festival has quickly grown into a major regional celebration, attracting thousands of attendees from Zimbabwe and neighboring countries. It showcases a diverse lineup of local and international artists across genres such as afrobeat, jazz, reggae, hip-hop, and traditional Zimbabwean music. The festival also features a food village, music business workshops, and activities like rap battles and artist collaborations, making it a vibrant platform for cultural exchange and industry development.

Jah Prayzah’s absence from recent Jacaranda Music Festival lineups is widely believed to be linked to the controversy surrounding his relationship with controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo. Jah Prayzah received lavish gifts from Chivayo over several years—including luxury cars and cash totaling nearly US$1 million—which sparked public outrage and intense scrutiny due to Chivayo’s political connections and legal controversies.

Jah Prayzah did not perform at the 2024 Jacaranda Music Festival, and recent lineups indicate he has not been featured in the most current editions of the festival. The 2024 festival showcased artists such as Feli Nandi, Mokoomba, Nutty O, Cassper Nyovest, James Sakala, Freeman HKD, and Master H, among others, but Jah Prayzah was not listed among the performers.

The controversy damaged Jah Prayzah’s public image and may have influenced festival organizers and promoters in their artist selections, potentially contributing to his exclusion from recent Jacaranda festival lineups. The relationship between Jah Prayzah and Wicknell Chivayo has been a subject of heated debate in Zimbabwe’s entertainment and political spheres, affecting the musician’s standing in the industry.

Stanbic Bank has been the consistent headline sponsor since the festival’s inception, playing a pivotal role in supporting the growth of Zimbabwe’s music industry and cultural heritage.

The festival was founded by Zimbabwean entrepreneur and music executive Walter Wanyanya, who also directs Ngoma Nehosho and founded the Jabulani Jazz Festival. He emphasizes that the Jacaranda Music Festival is more than just performances; it is a celebration of Zimbabwean culture and a platform for empowering artists through workshops and business opportunities.

The Jacaranda Music Festival not only highlights musical talent but also boosts tourism and cultural pride, making it a key event on Zimbabwe’s cultural calendar.

Jacaranda Music Festival Timeline with Top Artists (2017–2024)