"I’M TAKING you back 15 years. Tonight is for those who have been with me since way back, during the Hustlers Nite Club days,” chanted Winky D before blasting One-One at the recently held Bulawayo Shutdown.
Winky D drew on nostalgia, focusing his performance on fans who have been with him since his early days. He acknowledged a shift in his audience, playfully mentioning he might have lost some of the younger generation, “Ama 2Ks".
Winky D’s song One-One wasn't just a performance choice at the Bulawayo Shutdown, it was a celebratory throwback.
Released 15 years ago, on April 11, the song commemorates Winky D’s victory at the King of Dancehall Clash the day before.
One-One chronicles the events of the clash and Winky D’s claim to the dancehall throne, leaving rivals like Daddy D, Badman, Sniper Storm, and King Labash in the dust.
Setting the tone for a nostalgic night, he opened the show with Ndiri Rasta, his breakout hit built on the Luckspin riddim, celebrating his two-decade-long career.
The Bulawayo Shutdown wasn't just a concert; it doubled as a celebration of Winky D's Ghetocracy Score achievement.
While Harare fans marked the milestone on New Year's Eve 2024, Bulawayo finally got their chance to honour this accomplishment.
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Devoted fans braved the cold weather and occasional showers to see Winky D take the stage at 3am, proving their dedication to the star.
Winky D acknowledged his rise from performing at the small Hustlers Nite Club to filling the massive Queens Sports Club with over 8 000 fans.
Hustlers Nite Club, though now closed, was a breeding ground for Bulawayo’s musical talent.
Local stars like Winky D, Roki, Stunner, Ex-Q, and Sniper Storm honed their craft there, captivating the city's audience.
The club’s legendary “Road to Fame” competition even launched the careers of artistes like Sandra Ndebele, Beater Mangethe, IYASA, Banyanya Banyanya, Centre Party, and Rasman Python, among others.
Founded by Kays Kwangwari, Hustlers Nite club was a mainstay in Bulawayo's nightlife scene from the late 1990s until its closure.
It was situated at the Monte Carlo Centre, along Fife Street between 11th and 12th avenues.
Hustlers’ legacy proved tough to match. While Club 09 emerged in 2018, and later Hash Tag took its place, neither managed to recapture the unique atmosphere and close-knit feel that made Hustlers Nite Club so special.
Ironically, to the night, DJ Mzoe (real name Sibanengi Ndebele), who served as both resident DJ and entertainment manager at Hustlers Nite Club in its heyday, also took to the stage at the Bulawayo Shutdown.
"It brings me immense joy to be sharing the stage with Winky D again," DJ Mzoe reflected.
"I was there from the very beginning, at Hustlers and even back then, his potential was undeniable.
“We would pull in fantastic crowds, and his growth has been incredible.
“From starting out with just DJ Layaan by his side to performing with a full live band and filling arenas — it’s truly amazing.”
DJ Mzoe fondly recalled a particular Christmas show.
“Winky D always had the knack for eye-catching outfits and his signature ‘Bigman’ belt, but on this Christmas night, he threw us all a curveball,” he said.
“He walked onto the stage in a full-blown Santa Claus suit and obviously he came to serve us with Christmas gifts in the form of hit songs. It was a night none of us will never forget.”
