Musician Greatman Arrested After Police Raid Unlicensed Kuwadzana Bar

HARARE – Popular Zimbabwean musician Greatman, born Tongai Gwaze, has admitted operating an unlicensed bar after he was arrested during a police raid in Kuwadzana, Harare. The singer, best known for the hit song Pandakazvarwa, confirmed his arrest in a series of Facebook posts over the weekend, saying he had been detained at Kuwadzana 2 Police Station before being released.

In his initial post on Saturday, Gwaze appealed for understanding, saying he had ventured into the bar business as a way of supplementing his income.

"Yes, I am human and I make mistakes. But sometimes I am just trying to survive," he wrote in Shona.

The musician said he had invested in a small bar after struggling to earn enough money through music.

"You all see how I hustle in town. When I got a bit of money, I thought, let me open a small bar so I can also afford basic necessities," he said.

According to Gwaze, police officers raided the premises while he was away in Kuwadzana 3, where he said he had gone to donate a wheelchair to a person in need.

He claimed officers detained one of his employees and confiscated all the alcohol found at the premises.

"No one is even trying to understand me. I am cold, and I don't know what to do. Just let me earn a living here in Zimbabwe. My heart is broken. Why me? How am I supposed to survive in our country?" he wrote.

However, in a follow-up statement posted on Sunday, Gwaze acknowledged that he had broken the law by operating the establishment without the required licence.

"That was very wrong, and I take full responsibility," he said.

The musician also commended the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) for carrying out their duties professionally.

"To ZRP Zimbabwe: You did your job, and you did it very well. No one is above the law. I was arrested, and the crates of beer were taken for the State."

Gwaze urged other bar owners to comply with licensing regulations to avoid finding themselves in a similar situation.

"My plea to you: If you have a small or big bar out there, please do not operate without the proper licences. Let my situation be an example."

Although he has since returned home to his family, the musician said the incident had left him facing financial hardship.

"I have not had even US$1 to buy bread since yesterday. I am really hungry and struggling to find food," he wrote.

Greatman is widely recognised not only for his music but also for his advocacy for people living with disabilities. He has previously donated wheelchairs to vulnerable individuals and has frequently spoken publicly about the economic challenges facing Zimbabwean musicians and artists. The Zimbabwe Republic Police had not issued an official statement on the matter at the time of publication.

Greatman arrested