MUSIC & CULTURE | EXCLUSIVE INSIGHTS "Geographical Expansion is Only One Dimension of G...
"Geographical Expansion is Only One Dimension of Growth": Winky D Opens Up About Tête-à-Tête and the Future of African Music
Written By: Music & Culture Desk | Published: October 24, 2026 | 5 min read
Zimdancehall pioneer Winky D has opened up about his future plans and the profound vision behind his latest project, Tête-à-Tête (Hello Africa). In recent, highly revealing conversations with GQ South Africa and The iMullar Ghana, the 'Gafa' demonstrated that his latest album carries a message much bigger than music alone.
After more than two decades of defining the Zimbabwean sound, Winky D is not just looking for international attention; he is actively seeking meaningful cultural connections, advocating for artist ownership, and proving that true creative growth goes far beyond simply performing in a new country.
A Journey Without Limits
In his exclusive interview with GQ South Africa, DiBigman was asked about his next chapter, his remaining ambitions, and exactly how far he wants to take his music. Rather than outlining a rigid corporate strategy, Winky D offered a deeply philosophical perspective on artistry.
"I have always been cautious about describing any artistic journeys as though it should follow a predetermined destination. Creativity by its very nature should introduce new possibilities that could not have been imagined at the beginning of the process."
— Winky D speaking to GQ South Africa
The Tête-à-Tête Philosophy
Winky D explained that with the new album, he became increasingly interested in "the spaces where African musical traditions, contemporary experiences and different generations of artists can encounter one another."
By refusing to put limits on his musical journey, he believes music should allow artists to naturally discover new ideas across different languages, rhythms, and cultures, rather than deciding everything about their future in advance.
Defining True Artistic Growth
In an era where many artists measure success purely by how many international tour dates they can book, Winky D offered a sobering and mature perspective on what it means to actually "grow" as a musician.
The Bigger Picture for Africa
For years, the Gafa has used his music to speak about the everyday experiences of Zimbabweans—from poverty and social struggles to hope and freedom. However, in his conversation with The iMullar Ghana, Winky D explained that Zimbabwe's experiences have never been separate from those of the rest of Africa.
The challenges we face, the questions we ask and the future we want are connected to what millions of other Africans experience.
People Also Ask (FAQs)
According to Winky D, the album is an invitation to explore African identity. It connects the everyday experiences and struggles of Zimbabweans to the broader African context through collaborations, roots reggae, and shared storytelling.
He argued that geographical expansion (touring in new countries) is only one dimension of growth. True growth comes from reaching new levels of creative understanding and discovering what artists and listeners can understand together.
He believes that for African music to thrive, artists must move beyond just seeking international validation. They need to collaborate meaningfully, build strong local institutions, and retain ownership of their own creative output.
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