ONE of Zimbabwe’s intangible heritage, Mbende Jerusarema dance will be celebrated by musician Mukudzei Mukombe better known as Jah Prayzah in an album to be released in May.
The Uzumba-born musician said the 10-track album titled Jerusarema focuses on spreading Zimbabwean dance and culture to other countries.
“The title track, ‘Jerusarema’ highlights and upholds one of Murehwa’s honoured dances, Mbende Jerusarema,” said Jah Prayzah.
“The theme for this album is Ngazvitenderere and the name of the album is meant to honour the Jerusarema dance.”
The talented and ambitious musician who already commands a regional following after collaborations with artistes such as Chama Girl from Botswana said Mbende Jerusarema had the potential to become more popular internationally.
Musicians, he said, were cultural ambassadors and had to play a leading role in protecting, preserving and spreading local culture to other nations.
“As musicians, it is our duty to spread our culture through music therefore I will continue spreading and celebrating Zimbabwe’s culture,” said Mukombe.
The multi award-winner is popular and known for upholding cultural practices of the Shona in his music videos, lyrics and dance.
His lyrics are also rich with Shona proverbs that highlight day-to-day issues and challenges facing the nation.
“Singing about the values and norms of my country gives me tremendous satisfaction and fulfilment as an artiste,” said Mukombe.
Mbende Jerusarema dance is an Intangible Heritage that is popular and performed in Murehwa and Uzumba Maramba Pfungwe.
The dance is characterised by physical and energetic movements by women in unison with men.
In the course of the dance, men often squat while jerking both arms and energetically kicking the ground with the right leg in imitation of a burrowing mole.
Tracks to look forward to on Jah Prayzah’s new album include, ‘Chinamira’, ‘Zama’ and ‘Zenze’ among others.
Popular albums from the talented musician include, Sungano Yerudo (2009), Ngwarira Kuparara (2011), Tsviriyo (2013) and Kumbumura Mhute (2014).