He was a big man in stature, but he was even bigger on the road. Wicknell Chivayo loved fine machines, and in death, as in life, it was the roaring engines and glistening chrome of luxury cars that stole the spotlight. 

When news broke of his tragic death in a helicopter crash, Zimbabwe knew the farewell would be unlike any other, but nobody expected the sheer spectacle that took over the streets. 

Led by a convoy of breathtaking automobiles, Chivayo’s journey to his final resting place was less of a sad procession and more of an extravagant motor show.

The main highlight for many was the hearse itself. In a fitting tribute to a man who lived life in the fast lane, Chivayo’s body was transported in a custom Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon hearse. The iconic, boxy luxury SUV led a sea of high-end vehicles, roaring through Harare’s streets as it carried "The Bigger Preacher" home.

 From the Doves Funeral Services in Harare’s central business district to the family’s grand Gletwin residence, the roads were packed. Police were forced to close down major routes, including Kwame Nkrumah Avenue and Harare Street, as thousands of spectators lined the pavements just to catch a glimpse of the fleet.

The procession to Gletwin was a stunning sight as Rolls-Royces and Bentleys glided smoothly in line, looking as if the cars themselves had come to pay tribute to their master. Range Rovers, Maybachs, and sports cars filled the convoy, creating a shimmering river of luxury.

 Dozens of individuals who had been gifted cars by Chivayo over the years also showed up in those very vehicles, forming a unique guard of honor for their benefactor. One onlooker at the funeral remarked that the procession of expensive automobiles took the sad part of the funeral away for many, as everyone stood in awe.

Chivayo’s love affair with expensive cars was legendary. For years, he dominated social media headlines by showing off the latest top-of-the-range models imported straight from Europe.

He was a man who truly loved to brag from behind the wheel, regularly posting videos of his expanding garage. To Wicknell, a car was never just a means of transport, but a statement of power, success, and presence.

His passion for cars went far beyond his personal collection, as he became famous across Zimbabwe for his unmatched generosity on wheels. Over the years, he gave away dozens of brand-new luxury cars to musicians, church leaders, prophets, sports personalities, and ordinary citizens facing difficult life circumstances.

 These public gifts made him a household name, and at his funeral, the sheer number of gifted cars parked around the Gletwin mansion served as a visible reminder of his wide-reaching patronage.

The glittering fleet of cars was matched only by the high profile of the mourners who stepped out of them. The funeral became a rare gathering of political power, religion, wealth, and celebrity culture. President Emmerson Mnangagwa attended in person, delivering a heartfelt speech about his personal friend, while Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan was among the top international dignitaries.

 King Mswati III of Eswatini sent a high-level delegation to represent the kingdom, alongside Cabinet Ministers, wealthy business families like the Pandes, religious prophets, and top musicians.

While the cars provided the color and spectacle, the speeches brought drama and public debate. The most talked-about moment came from Chivayo’s younger brother, Joachim Chivayo, popularly known as G6. In an emotional eulogy, G6 praised Wicknell as his mentor and captain, but he also dropped a financial bombshell about the controversial Gwanda Solar Project. 

G6 claimed he sold his own business vehicles in 2015 to raise $220,000 to help Wicknell push the project forward, adding that Wicknell promised him $1 million in return once a $5 million payout was released. 

He alleged that after the money came through, his brother stopped answering his calls. Instead of closing the book on Chivayo's complex business legacy, the funeral reopened public debate about the millions linked to the unfinished power plant.

From arguments over media access to real-time critiques of musician Aleck Macheso’s performance at the service, Chivayo’s funeral proved that even in death, he commanded the national conversation. Love him or hate him, Wicknell Chivayo knew how to make an entrance and an exit.

 As the roar of the G-Wagon hearse faded into the quiet hills of Gletwin, he left behind a country still mesmerized by the sheer spectacle of his life, his money, and the unforgettable parade of wheels that carried him away.