Jah Prayzah, Keith finalise ‘Jerusarema’ in SA
By Tawanda Marwizi
Recently, contemporary musician Jah Prayzah announced his mission to bring quality sound on his new album “Jerusarema” by engaging renowned producer Keith Farquharson.
On Monday he left the country for South Africa to meet the producer and make final touches on the album that has already been endorsed by his fans at most of his shows.
He returned home yesterday.
Farquharson, who is based in South Africa, has a strong understanding of Zimbabwean music, having worked with Ilanga, Chiwoniso Maraire, Andy Brown and Oliver Mtukudzi among others.
His work with Jah Prayzah is likely to be outstanding since the musician has come out with interesting fusions in the past.
Yesterday The Herald Entertainment caught with the musician who said all is now ready and has finalised everything for the album.
“I have just come from South Africa where we finalised the album. I have done my best and it is up to the fans now to listen to it,” he said.
This time he has a collaboration with Jamaican artiste Luciano where he sings in Shona while the Jamaican sings in his language.
The song is likely to get an overwhelming response as it has a reggae feel.
Jah Prayzah said they have managed to have a number of traditional songs to match the theme of the album.
“Our main thrust in on tradition on this album and traditional songs dominate,” he said.
As a young musician he vowed to preserve his culture in all albums.
Turning to the launch that has been slated for Harare International Conference Centre on May 22 the musician said through Jive Zimbabwe they were planning a red carpet event.
“We are planning to have a red carpet event and we are happy that people have showed their interest already,” he said.
Last year the musician was criticised when he announced that he would use the same venue to launch the album. However he managed to pull crowds and the show was well attended.
“I am trying to be one different artiste and this time around people have accepted the concept of using the venue,” he said.
Since the musician launched his career critics have been slamming him for creating similar songs.
The musician had this to say on that: “That is a wrong perception because my songs are completely different.
“This album will say it all,” he said.
He has been hailed by different cultural organisations for his effort to take Jerusarema-Mbende dance to the mainstream arena.
The title track in which the musician explores his wish to see the popular dance going far.
“Jerusarema Ngariyambuke is a traditional song and on our live shows we do the actual dance so that those who come from different parts of Zimbabwe have a clear picture of the dance,” he said.
On the day of the launch several artistes have been lined up to support their friend who brings yet another bomb to his fans.
Oliver Mtukudzi, Suluman Chimbetu, Cynthia Mare are the three who have already confirmed their participation.
Benjy Nyandoro director of Jive Zimbabwe the company that will market and distribute the album said they will package the CD in a different way.
“When we sell it fans will like it. We are doing our best to match the international standards of packaging,” he said. The Herald
