Zimbabwe’s UFC star Themba Gorimbo and Zimdancehall music legend Winky D

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighter Themba Gorimbo has apologised to Winky D, after causing an uproar last week when he claimed that the musician was only a local star that could not match his global fame.

Gorimbo earned the ire of Winky D fans last week when he claimed that he was more popular than the revered dancehall star.

“Vanhu moda kundi jairira, mungandifanandize na Winky? Winky is local and I am global. Pane musiyano. Kana mazogara moziva local and global difference. Compare Winky nana Pashi,” he said.

That post, among others, angered Winky D fans, who attacked Gorimbo online, leading him to delete some of his social media accounts.

However, the MMA fighter seems to have a change of heart about his views, and in an apology said he had only been joking when he cast doubt on Winky D’s prominence.

“Guys, on the Winky D thing, I made a mistake and thought it was just a small joke. My intention wasn’t to put Winky down or think I was better.

“I was just trying to have fun, like I did with Enzo Ishall back in 2021, if you remember. But I guess it affected and rubbed most of you the wrong way. I apologise about that.

“Nothing said was from a bad heart. I love Winky D myself. His songs inspired me for years to work hard. I have many of his songs that I love,” he said.

Gorimbo said he hoped that the issue was now behind him.

“Winky D is one of the greatest artists from Zimbabwe, and if I grow up to be half the man he is in my own right, it would be a blessing.

“I hope now there won’t be any further questions about that issue, and you can make your conclusions about who I am, but the truth is my whole life, I have never wished bad on anyone, and I love people who do extraordinary work like Winky D.”