Entertainment
Reggae Legend Jimmy Cliff Dies at 81
Jamaican reggae icon and international superstar Jimmy Cliff, born James Chambers, has died at the age of 81. Family sources confirmed that the legendary musician succumbed to pneumonia after suffering a stroke.
Cliff, whose career spanned more than six decades, was one of the most influential figures in global music, credited with helping introduce reggae to international audiences long before the genre gained mainstream popularity. His death marks the end of a defining chapter in Caribbean music history.
Born in St. James, Jamaica, Cliff rose to prominence in the late 1960s with a series of hits that showcased the depth and emotional power of reggae.
His breakthrough track Many Rivers to Cross became a global classic, followed by anthems such as You Can Get It If You Really Want.
However, it was his starring role in the 1972 Jamaican crime drama The Harder They Come that cemented his place in global culture. Cliff played Ivanhoe “Ivan” Martin in the film, which used his hit title track as its signature soundtrack.
The production became a cultural landmark, opening the door for reggae on the world stage and setting the foundation for the international rise of Bob Marley and other Jamaican artists.
Cliff’s work resonated deeply across generations, including Zimbabweans who grew up listening to his music during the 1970s and 1980s. Many fans recall debates over songs such as *No Woman, No Cry*, famously performed by both Cliff and Bob Marley.
Although both artists delivered memorable renditions, the song was written by Marley, who credited his childhood friend Vincent “Tata” Ford so Ford could use the royalties to support a soup kitchen in Trenchtown.
Throughout his career, Cliff earned widespread recognition for his cultural impact. He received the Order of Merit, Jamaica’s third-highest national honour, for his contribution to music and national identity.
In 2010, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, solidifying his legacy as one of the most influential musicians of his generation.
Fans and music historians say Cliff’s death is a moment of reckoning for a generation that witnessed the birth of reggae as a global force. He belonged to the pioneering wave of Jamaican musicians whose work carried the sound of Kingston to international audiences, shaping the careers of those who followed.
Jimmy Cliff leaves behind a sprawling musical catalogue, a groundbreaking film legacy, and a global community of listeners influenced by his message of resilience, hope, and cultural pride.
He is remembered as a trailblazer who helped build the bridge between Jamaican music and the world.
Entertainment
Prophet Freddy Rises Again with New State-of-the-Art Church
The song “Ndiri Kurwadziwa” still resonates with many Zimbabweans, especially during moments of loss and hardship. The emotional track was written and recorded by renowned man of the cloth, Prophet T Freddy, following the demolition of his Glen View church by the Harare City Council in 2020.
At the time, the destruction of the church was a painful setback for the prophet, who had invested heavily in the structure. The experience inspired the heartfelt lyrics, “Ndingagone kuzvishingisa vakomana ndiri kurwadziwa,” reflecting his deep sense of loss.
Despite the devastating blow, Prophet Freddy, known for his strong prophetic ministry, refused to give up. He later secured new land at the corner of Highglen and Mushayabande Road, where he embarked on an ambitious rebuilding project.
Six years after the demolition, the prophet is now putting final touches to a modern, state-of-the-art church complex with a seating capacity of over 2,000 congregants.
“We made a deliberate decision to invest in God’s house so that people can worship in a comfortable and conducive environment,” Prophet Freddy said. “Yes, we went through a major setback, but God has always remained faithful.”
He acknowledged that the journey was not easy, noting that the project required vast resources and commitment.
“It has not been easy at all. The building process demanded a lot of materials and sacrifice, but by God’s grace, we have come this far,” he added.
The new church has been designed to offer ample seating and clear visibility, allowing congregants to fully engage during services.
Prophet Freddy has also been widely praised for prioritising ministry infrastructure over personal luxury.
“He chose to invest in the work of God instead of expensive cars or convoys,” said one church member. “From the beginning, he was determined to see this church completed.”
The official opening of the new church is expected in the first quarter of this year once final works are concluded.
With this development, Goodness and Mercy Ministries is set to join the ranks of churches in Zimbabwe that boast modern and well-equipped worship facilities, marking a significant milestone in its growth and resilience journey.
Entertainment
Manyeruke On Retirement Plans
Gospel music icon Baba Machanic Manyeruke, a living legend, says his family, friends and colleagues are pushing him to scrap his retirement plans from performing.
Manyeruke, known as the grandfather of Zimbabwe’s gospel music patriarch, has just returned from a successful three-month tour of the UK, where he performed at shows and led church conferences.
“I have always mentored several musicians without touting my accomplishments. I believe the time will come when my mentees will share their testimonies about how I impacted their lives, whether during my lifetime or after my departure”.
“As a musician and father, I do my job quietly, allowing the world to judge me through my works, which will endure beyond my death.”
Starting his music career in colonial times, Manyeruke encouraged artists to adapt to the times.
Manyeruke further confirmed that he started long ago, and with today’s technological revolution, he hopes to see artists embrace these changes.
” Personally, I have also adopted new technologies, recognising that my family can monetise my music even after I’m gone,” he said
Entertainment
IShowSpeed Turns Zimbabwe into a Must-Visit
As the world tunes into the high-energy adventures of American streaming sensation Darren Watkins Jr., better known as IShowSpeed, his recent stop in Zimbabwe during the epic “Speed Does Africa” tour has delivered an unexpected but powerful boost to the nation’s tourism profile.
Arriving in early January 2026 as part of an ambitious 28-day journey across 20 African countries, Speed’s chaotic, authentic, and massively viewed livestreams from Harare and Victoria Falls have introduced millions of young global fans to Zimbabwe’s vibrant culture, stunning natural wonders, and welcoming spirit—proving once again the immense value of influencer-driven marketing in the digital age.
Speed’s Zimbabwe leg, spanning January 7–8, 2026, was nothing short of viral gold. In Harare, massive crowds turned the city centre into a carnival of excitement as fans mobbed him for selfies, dances, and unforgettable interactions.
Highlights included cultural moments like paying homage at the Mbuya Nehanda Statue, where he was entertained by local talents such as “The Guitar Sangoma” Sylent Nqo and “The Princess of Mbira” Hope Masike.
He also took part in a thrilling strength challenge with Africa’s Strongest Woman, Chido Maenzanise, flipping tyres and pulling vehicles in a fun display of Zimbabwean athletic prowess.
The energy peaked with iconic encounters that captured the internet’s imagination—most notably meeting his Zimbabwean “twin,” a local fan dubbed “Temu Speed” (or “Zimbabwe Speed”), whose lookalike antics and high-octane vibe created hilarious, shareable moments that trended worldwide.
These spontaneous, unscripted interactions showcased Zimbabwe’s youthful, lively people in the most relatable way possible.
The tour’s grand finale came at Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and Zimbabwe’s premier tourism gem. Speed dove into the adventure headfirst, swimming in the famous Devil’s Pool at the edge of the thundering falls, bungee jumping from the Victoria Falls Bridge, and soaking up the rainforest’s breathtaking beauty. His off-day exploration—filled with awe-inspired reactions, photos, and pure joy—provided stunning, real-time exposure of this world-class destination to his millions of followers.
What makes this visit a masterclass in modern tourism marketing is its organic reach and authenticity.
Speed wasn’t on an official ambassador script; he was simply living his larger-than-life persona, reacting genuinely to new experiences.
Yet the result was profound: global audiences who once held outdated or negative stereotypes about Zimbabwe suddenly saw its beauty, hospitality, and excitement firsthand.
Social media erupted with comments like “I didn’t know Zimbabwe was this beautiful” and praise for the country’s culture and people.
The visit flipped narratives, sparked pride among Zimbabweans, and reminded the world why Destination Zimbabwe deserves to be on every traveller’s bucket list.
This accidental masterstroke highlights a key lesson for Zimbabwe’s tourism sector: in today’s world, authentic, youth-oriented digital content creators like IShowSpeed can achieve what traditional campaigns often struggle to do—reach Gen Z and millennial audiences at scale, build emotional connections, and drive curiosity that translates into future visits.
The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority and Ministry of Tourism wisely amplified the moment with hashtags like #VisitZimbabwe, #DestinationZimbabwe, and #ExperienceZimbabwe, turning Speed’s energy into lasting promotional fuel.
As Speed departed for Zambia via the iconic Victoria Falls Bridge—still buzzing from his Zimbabwe experience—the country emerged stronger on the global stage.
His tour didn’t just entertain; it marketed Zimbabwe brilliantly by showcasing its real magic through the eyes of an excited visitor. In an era where viral moments shape perceptions, IShowSpeed’s chaotic joyride has put Zimbabwe firmly in the spotlight as a must-visit destination full of wonder, warmth, and unforgettable adventures.
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