Fans Outraged Over Winky D’s Continued Exclusion from Castle Tankard 2025 Line-Up

Zimbabwean music fans are once again voicing their frustration after Zimdancehall icon Winky D was excluded from the 2025 Castle Tankard music lineup, marking a third consecutive year that the acclaimed artist has been left out of the high-profile event.

The absence of the “Gafa President” has reignited allegations of political interference and censorship, with many supporters suggesting that Winky D’s exclusion is not accidental but a result of pressure from state authorities due to his socially conscious lyrics and perceived anti-government stance.

Winky D had been a regular headline act at Castle Tankard for six straight years until 2022, when police controversially cut his performance short. The musician was forced off stage mid-performance in front of a packed crowd, after police claimed the event had run past its permitted time—a move widely viewed as a deliberate silencing of the artist.

Since that incident, he has not returned to the Castle Tankard stage.

The official 2025 lineup, announced by Castle Tankard ZW, features a mix of popular artists including Alick Macheso, Enzo Ishall, Oriyano, Delroy Shewe, Chillspot and Nissan Ts, but Winky D’s name was again noticeably absent. The event is scheduled for 9 May, and while it promises a vibrant mix of talent, many fans say the show feels incomplete without the Gafa.

Outrage quickly spilled over onto social media, with many users accusing organisers of bowing to political pressure.

“No Gaffa, no party… Hatiuye kusina Winky D,” one fan declared under Castle Tankard’s official post.

“Hakuna Tankard isina VaWinky D… Gadzirai line-up yatikuda apo, isai GOAT,” another chimed in, referring to Winky D as the “Greatest of All Time.”

Some commentators went further, calling the move a form of artistic exile, echoing sentiments that Winky D is being punished not for any violation of conduct, but for his bold social commentary that often highlights poverty, corruption, and injustice in Zimbabwe.

Theories around Winky D’s alleged blacklisting have persisted since the release of his politically charged music projects such as Eureka Eureka in 2023, which featured collaborations with young hip-hop artists and tackled controversial social issues head-on.

Despite the silence from organisers, fans believe that the continued omission speaks volumes. In a country where music often doubles as a mirror to society, Winky D’s absence is seen by many as symbolic of the suppression of dissenting voices.

While Castle Tankard has maintained its popularity as one of the country’s most anticipated music and horse racing events, a growing segment of fans have vowed to boycott the show unless the iconic dancehall star is reinstated.

Winky D has not publicly commented on the exclusion, but his fan base remains as vocal and loyal as ever, with many declaring that no lineup is complete without the Gafa.