Zimbabwean musician Jah Prayzah has postponed his wedding, which was scheduled for October 3, following the sudden death of businessman Wicknell Chivayo and his wife, Lucy Muteke, in a helicopter crash.
The singer, whose real name is Mukudzeyi Mukombe, announced the decision alongside his fiancée, Rufaro Mukombe, in a statement shared on social media on Thursday, October 1.
Jah Prayzah postpones October wedding
Jah Prayzah and Rufaro had been preparing to exchange vows on Saturday, October 3, but the couple decided to put the celebrations on hold following the devastating loss.
The musician described Chivayo as much more than a friend, saying he regarded the businessman as family and a brother who had been present through different chapters of his life.
The couple said the sudden loss of Chivayo and Lucy had left them heartbroken and that they wanted to stand with the bereaved families during the difficult period.
They therefore decided to postpone the wedding as a gesture of love and respect.
The couple did not announce a new wedding date, only saying they would continue with their plans when the appropriate time comes.
Chivayo’s death sends shockwaves across Zimbabwe
Chivayo and Lucy were among six people who died when a helicopter crashed in rural Marondera on Wednesday, September 30.
The Associated Press reported that the aircraft had six people aboard, including four passengers and two crew members, with no survivors reported. Chivayo and his wife were subsequently identified among the victims.
Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa later confirmed Chivayo’s death, marking the end of a dramatic chapter in the life of one of the country’s most recognisable businessmen.
Chivayo and Jah Prayzah shared a close relationship
The decision by Jah Prayzah to postpone his wedding has also highlighted the close relationship he shared with the late businessman.
Chivayo was known for supporting personalities in Zimbabwe’s entertainment industry, and Jah Prayzah was among the musicians with whom he maintained a visible friendship.
Local reports noted that Chivayo had supported the singer through gifts and financial gestures over the years, further explaining why his death had a deeply personal impact on the musician.
For Jah Prayzah and Rufaro, the wedding was therefore no longer simply about proceeding with a major personal celebration while a close family friend was being mourned.
Chivayo’s death reverberates beyond Zimbabwe
News of Chivayo’s death quickly attracted attention across the region because of his extensive network of relationships with prominent political, business, religious and entertainment figures.
The businessman had frequently shared photographs of himself interacting with influential personalities, including Kenyan President William Ruto, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan and Eswatini’s King Mswati III.
In Kenya, Chivayo had also become a familiar figure following his highly publicised interactions with Ruto and members of the president’s circle.
His death has consequently generated tributes and renewed interest in his life, business activities and high-profile friendships.
Chivayo’s extravagant lifestyle draws renewed attention
Before his death, Chivayo had built a huge following online through displays of wealth, luxury vehicles, private aircraft and expensive gifts.
A video of his Gulfstream G550 private jet, reportedly acquired only months before his death, resurfaced online following the tragedy.
The aircraft was reported to have been valued at approximately US$34 million, or about Sh4.4 billion.
His flamboyant lifestyle made him a particularly prominent personality on social media, where he frequently documented his travels, business activities and interactions with celebrities and influential figures.
Jah Prayzah asks for time to mourn
With the wedding now postponed, Jah Prayzah and Rufaro have asked for space to mourn alongside the families affected by the tragedy.
The couple also extended their condolences to the other families who lost loved ones in the helicopter accident.
Their decision means that a highly anticipated celebration will have to wait as they come to terms with the sudden loss of someone Jah Prayzah described as a brother.
For now, the couple has not revealed when the wedding will take place, saying only that they will resume their plans when the time is right.
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