Jah Prayzah simply unstoppable

By Prince Mushawevato

HARARE – Focused and unrelenting in his musical onslaught, Mukudzei Mukombe is simply unstoppable. Ever since adopting the moniker Jah Prayzah and penning his first well-received album “Rudo Nerunyararo” in 2007, the artiste has literally not looked back.

Having put his hands on the musical plough, the fast-rising musician has stayed on line and made huge furrows in which his musical seeds have germinated and attracted all, fans and fellow artistes.

And as the artiste launched his latest and fourth 10-track album titled “Tsviriyo”, he was overwhelmed by the support rendered to him.

“I am glad that as an artiste I can attract all these artistes to my show. It is something that I have never imagined I could do,” he said.

The who-is-who of the sector, from all genres, that include jazz, urban grooves, reggae and sungura, were in attendance. In a night of revelry, Jah Prayzah proved why he has become a force to reckon with in the music industry.

His new album showed that there is still more up his musical sleeve. “I have not taken my fans for granted and I understand as well as appreciate that music is not only my passion but also my source of livelihood thus I continue to give the craft my all,” said the lanky artiste.

Musicians who attended the launch included Edith WeUtonga, Peter Moyo, Romeo Gasa, Progress Chipfumo, Guspy Warrior, Nesto, Freddy “Kapfupi” Manjalima, the Dembo brothers Tendai and Morgan, Shiga-Shiga while Suluman Chimbetu and Alick Macheso were represented by their managers.

The bombardment by the artiste, who at one time harboured ambitions of being a soldier, has left no survivors. “Jah Prayzah is young and has not been long in the music industry, but he is one very serious musician who has delivered value for money entertainment.

“Falling in love with his music requires no effort as it is of high quality,” said Joseph Munyebvu, a music promoter. Among impressed fans was flamboyant businessman Philip Chiyangwa, who bought a copy of the new album for a whopping US$12 000.

To spice up the new work and increase its appeal, the musician roped in the services of superstar Oliver Mtukudzi on the track “Sisiriya” and fiery lead guitarist and vocalist Progress Chipfumo on “Yambuka Rukova”.

But it is the title track “Tsviriyo” that has proved to be the crowd’s favourite even before the album launch as it always sends the revellers into spasms of delirium each time it is played.

“It is humbling and inspiring to have the support of these highly accomplished musicians. Collaborating with them has been an eye-opener and greatly improved my delivery,” said the dreadlocked artiste.

Other tracks on the album include “Vana Muchimana”, “Machembere”, “Mwanasikana”, “Sunga”, “Rufaro”, “Ngoda” and “Tsamba”.

Though the lad has been involved in the music industry way before the release of his debut album in 2007, recognition only came after he released this second album titled “Sungano Yerudo” (2009), which carried the monster hit “Sungano”. Ever since then, his graph has been on an escalation trend.

But it was his third album, “Ngwarira Kuparara”, that catapulted him to stardom and won him awards. “Chirangano Cherudo” was voted the most popular song while “Gochi Gochi” came second on Radio Zimbabwe Top 50 2012 competition.

His video for the song “Maria” was voted the best on ZBCTV’s shutdown chart show. Backed by his Third Generation Band, the contemporary reggae musician said he has since embarked on a countrywide tour to market his latest offering.

Meanwhile, talented and fast-rising Dendera musician Tryson Chimbetu is expected to release his fourth album titled “Campus” this week.

The album was supposed to have been dropped on March 22 to coincide with the Dr Nero Commemorations, but the plans were, however, changed due to a limited number of the copies that had been produced.

“We are certain that the album is going to be out this week. It was supposed to have been released on the commemoration day, but due to some circumstances beyond our control, the idea did not come to fruition” said Tryson.

“I thank my fans for the patience and I would like to assure them that they are not going to be disappointed with this new project. We gave it more than our level best,” he added.

Some of the songs on the upcoming album included “Ndondo”, “Pahotera”, “Godo”, “Bhora Mberi” and “Simba”. Tryson’s other albums include “Marxist Revival” and “Bvamrod” and “Nguva YaChimbetu”.

The new releases, together with another one anticipated from Peter Moyo, are set to usher a new epoch in the music industry.