Musician Greatman Arrested For Operating Bar Without A Licence, Beer Confiscated

Popular musician Greatman, real name Tongai Gwaze, has been arrested after police raided a bar he runs in Kuwadzana.

In a Facebook post on Saturday, Gwaze said he was being held at Kuwadzana 2 Police Station. “Yes, I am human and I make mistakes,” he wrote in Shona. “But sometimes I am just trying to survive.”

The singer explained that he had opened a small bar to earn a living. “You all see how I hustle in town. When I get a bit of money, I thought, let me open a small bar so I can also afford basics,” he said.

According to Gwaze, police arrived at the premises while he was away in Kuwadzana 3, where he had gone to donate a wheelchair. He said officers took his employee and confiscated all the alcohol.

“No one is even trying to understand me,” Gwaze wrote. “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?”

On Sunday afternoon, Gwaze posted another statement, clarifying that he had operated the bar without a licence.

“That was very wrong, and I take full responsibility,” he wrote.

He praised the Zimbabwe Republic Police for their handling of the case. “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 used the post to warn others in the industry. “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.”

The musician said he is now home with his wife and children, but is struggling. “I have not had even $1 to buy bread since yesterday. I am really hungry and struggling to find food,” he wrote.

Greatman, known for hits such as Pandakazvarwa, is also recognised for his disability advocacy work.

He has often spoken about the challenges of earning a living as an artist in Zimbabwe and has donated wheelchairs to people in need.