HomeOld_PostsIt’s all about Jah Prayzah!

It’s all about Jah Prayzah!

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WHO would have known, seven years ago, that a young dread-locked lad, from a rural area, Uzumba, clutching his mbira and struggling to fit in a commuter omnibus would in less than decade of entry into the merciless and often unkind music industry be a superstar.
Hate or like him, Mukudzei ‘Jah Prayzah’ Mukombe keeps pushing the envelope in the music industry.
In a time when many of his peers are crying foul, the Uzumba-born and bred musician appears to have found the formula that has eluded his compatriots.
Like the griot of old, he continues to tell stories that even if you don’t like, you can’t ignore; stories that raise debate and discussion.
Deeply rooted in his African tradition, the musician was obviously not fazed by launching his album Kutonga Kwaro on Friday the 13th, a date regarded as ‘unlucky’.
But the ‘unlucky’ of Friday the 13th is a Western tradition, which has no impact on a product rooted in the depths of Uzumba.
On that Friday the 13th, the hardworking musician launched his eighth album
The absence of the much-famed Nigerian, Davido had the tongues of the superstitious wagging non-stop.
But even before getting into Harare International Conference Centre (HICC), the parking lot told a different story, cars, from the jalopies to the fancy wheels took up all the space.
It promised to be a night to remember.
On entrance into the auditorium, one was greeted with a sight so touching that indeed dull would he or she be of soul, who would not have been moved.
It’s a good thing the Nigerian boy, David Adedeji Adeleke, better known as Davido, did not pitch up.
The hard-nosed among us would have credited the fans that packed themselves to the rafters to the foreigner’s appearance.
Zimbabweans from all walks of life were there, in their multitudes to pay homage to the Uzumba lad.
Every album launch of the musician has become a progression to a new musical galaxy, an addition to his notches of excellence.
The impressive energy levels that have become synonymous with his performances were infectious, revellers and Jah Prayzah’s band, The Third Generation for a moment became one outfit.
With the absence of foreign performers, the launch became a celebration of local content, which it ought to be.
And oh boy, our artistes can hold their own.
All the lined up supporting acts delivered splendid performances.
The talented Baba Shupi was magical, hardworking Ashton ‘Mbeu’ Nyahora’s statement was on point, Enock Munhenga better known as EX-Q will just not fizzle out, Andy Muridzo is not looking back, the peoples choice, Winky D continues doing it for them and the legendary Oliver ‘Tuku’ Mtukudzi was just that, stuff of legend.
Organisers of the show, 2 Kings Entertainment expressed satisfaction with the gig.
“In spite of the absence of Davido, everything went well and we appreciate the support of revellers and the media,” said Dee Nosh of 2 Kings Entertainment.
Jah Prayzah’s latest offering, Kutonga Kwaro carries 14 tracks tackling a wide range of social issues.
And all 14 songs were produced by man of the moment Dj Tamuka.
While some music pundits might have a problem with a single producer working on 14 tracks ‘alone’, credit must go to Jah Prayzah for believing and having confidence in local talent.
The musician’s DNA is unmistakable in this latest offering.
The musician has a tremendous respect and appreciation of women as reflected in the song ‘Hello Mama’.
Yes, Jah Prayzah has a soft-spot, especially for mothers.
In his previous album Ngwarira Kuparara (2012), Jah Prayzah penciled the song ‘Kumusha’ in which he sings about a child being troubled about dreams of the mother enquiring if he had forgotten about her.
“Ndarota mai vangu ndirere zvikanzi hauchandide here, ndokupi chaiko kwaugere, uchandiona ndachuru here? Mwanangu zvimwe undera kana kuti hanganwa…,” are some of the words in the song.
In the 2016 album Mudhara Achauya is the song ‘Seke’ dedicated to the artiste’s mother.
It is a song of appreciation and praise of Jah Prayzah’s mother.
In his latest offering Kutonga Kwaro the track ‘Hello Mama’ is another dedication to mothers.
“Asi ndingafare kutambira runhare chiiko mwanangu chaita unaware dai wangoti hello mama…
“Inga waisimbotumira chouviri, shangu nemarokwe, jazi nechari nhasi zvondovatira mbeva mbiri, mai vako ndongogarira guyo neduri,” are some of the lyrics to the song.
Another of Jah Prayzah’s common feature are songs dedicated to his wife Rufaro Mukombe.
In the album Tsviriyo (2013), the track ‘Rufaro’ was penciled for the musician’s wife.
In the latest Kutonga Kwaro, the song ‘Chengetedza’ sounds more like a dedication to his wife.
“Chengetedza rudo rwemoyo wangu nyararidza kuchema kwehana yangu, umire mire ndirwirwe hondo dzangu ndokuti ndizive kuti ndiwe dali wangu…,” are some of the lyrics.
The lanky musician has continued with collaborations with international artistes in a bid to increase his fan base.
In ‘Kumbumura Mhute’, Jah Prayzah collaborated with Botswana’s Charma Girl in the song ‘Dali Wangu’.
In the album Jerusarema, he collaborated with celebrated Jamaican artiste Luciano in the track ‘Roots’.
This time around, he has roped in the services of Yemi Alade and Davido.
The album is a worthwhile listen and fans will decide if it will carry them through the festive season.

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