Jah Prayzah and Wife Rufaro Mukombe Postpone Wedding After Wicknell Chivayo Helicopter Crash

Zimbabwean musician Jah Prayzah and his wife Rufaro Mukombe have postponed their wedding following the deaths of businessman Wicknell Chivayo, his wife Lucy Muteke and four other people in a helicopter crash. The couple had planned to celebrate their wedding on Friday, October 3, but decided to put the ceremony on hold as they mourned the victims of the tragedy. In a statement, Jah Prayzah and Rufaro said they did not have adequate words to describe the pain caused by the sudden deaths. They also expressed their condolences to the families and loved ones of everyone who died in the accident. The decision to postpone the wedding reflects the close personal relationship the couple shared with Chivayo and his wife.

Jah Prayzah, whose real name is Mukudzeyi Mukombe, said Chivayo was more than a friend to him and Rufaro. The businessman was described as family, a brother and someone who had been closely involved in important chapters of their lives. The couple said losing Chivayo and Lucy in such sudden circumstances had left them deeply heartbroken. Their statement emphasized the difficulty of celebrating a major personal milestone while people close to them were grieving. They therefore chose to pause their wedding celebrations and stand with the families affected by the helicopter crash.

The relationship between Jah Prayzah and Wicknell Chivayo had been publicly visible for some time. Chivayo had supported the musician, his wife and members of Jah Prayzah’s Third Generation band through cash gifts and vehicles. His support contributed to a relationship that went beyond the connection between a businessman and a musician. Chivayo also reportedly played a role in arrangements for veteran Chimurenga musician Thomas Mapfumo to return to Zimbabwe and perform at Jah Prayzah’s wedding. His involvement in the wedding plans made his death especially painful for the couple as they prepared for the ceremony.

The wedding had been scheduled for Friday, October 3, but the couple said the celebrations would have to wait. They explained that there are times when other responsibilities and plans must temporarily stop because of grief. Their decision came from what they described as love, respect and the need to mourn with family. Rather than continue with the ceremony as planned, Jah Prayzah and Rufaro chose to give themselves and those around them time to process the loss. They said they would continue with their wedding plans when the time was right.

The couple also offered prayers for every family affected by the helicopter crash. In their message, they said, “Mwari vape nyaradzo nesimba kune vose vari kuchema panguva ino,” expressing a wish for God to give comfort and strength to everyone who was mourning. Their statement recognized that the tragedy affected more than the immediate families of the people who died. Six people lost their lives when the helicopter crashed at Kudenga Farm in rural Marondera on Wednesday evening. Chivayo and Muteke were among those killed in the accident.

The crash has also raised questions about what caused the helicopter to go down. At the time of the statement, investigators had not established the cause of the accident. That means the circumstances surrounding the crash remained under investigation and no confirmed explanation for the incident had been provided. Until investigators establish what happened, details about the cause should be treated with caution. The confirmed loss of six lives remains the central human impact of the tragedy.

For Jah Prayzah and Rufaro Mukombe, the postponement means their wedding plans will continue at a later date rather than being cancelled. The couple made clear that they still intend to proceed with their marriage celebrations when circumstances allow. Their statement was signed “Mukudzeyi & Rufaro Mukombe,” reflecting their decision to address the situation together. The postponement also highlights the personal significance of Chivayo’s relationship with the couple and the role he had played in their lives. Their immediate priority is mourning alongside the families affected by the helicopter crash.

The postponement of Jah Prayzah and Rufaro Mukombe’s wedding has therefore become closely connected to a period of mourning following the helicopter tragedy. Chivayo and Muteke were not only among the six people who died, but were also people who had a close relationship with the couple. Jah Prayzah’s description of Chivayo as family helps explain why the couple chose to stop their wedding celebrations during this difficult period. The couple have not abandoned their wedding plans and said they will resume them when the time is appropriate. For now, their message focuses on grief, respect, prayer and support for everyone affected by the deaths.