MUSIC REVIEW: ‘Not bad at all, Jah Prayzah’

07 Jun, 2015 - 00:06 0 Views
MUSIC REVIEW: ‘Not bad at all, Jah Prayzah’ Original sleeve of Jah Prayzah’s ‘Jerusarema’

The Sunday Mail

Glitz and Glamour. . . Socialites, musicians, politicians and music lovers converged at the Harare International Conference Centre for Jah Prayzah’s album launch last weekend — Pictures by Believe Nyakudjara

Glitz and Glamour. . . Socialites, musicians, politicians and music lovers converged at the Harare International Conference Centre for Jah Prayzah’s album launch last weekend — Pictures by Believe Nyakudjara

JAH PRAYZAH’s latest offering “Jerusarema” shows that the musician has what it takes to become a complete superstar, but only if he breaks one more barrier.

The latest effort is certainly an above average production, loaded with social messages and deep emotional content.

And the artiste goes the extra mile in incorporating various sounds but still maintaining his signature feel.

However, the singer needs to do better by way of varying his instrumentation.

It is a fact that “Jerusarema” is better than his previous release “Kumbumura Mhute”, but unlike his other album “Tsviriyo”, this album will have to battle to top the charts.

And the battle can be made even more difficult should the likes of Alick Macheso and Peter Moyo release as expected.

Already, “Jerusarema” is struggling to penetrate the market as Zim dancehall chanter, Killer T’s latest offering “Ngoma Ndaimba” is enjoying better attention both on public radio and on the club scene.

Tocky Vibes, the lyrical master who has abandoned Zim dancehall, has received a lot of backing from some of Jah Prayzah’s traditional supporters. The youngster has been well-received by a mature audience with a sharp musical ear.

Being an artiste who has managed to carve a niche market for himself, I feel it should not be difficult for Jah Prayzah to come up with fresh beats. He has done so with his first three or so productions that include “Rudo Nerunyararo”, “Sungano Yerudo” and “Ngwarira Kuparara”.

Hence it’s baffling why the musician appears to be now struggling in this regard.

The problem of beat reprocessing for the artiste started soon after the release of “Tsviriyo”.

No doubt the musician as noted by Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa is creative, but he has deliberately decided to create blinkers for himself. “Tsviriyo” is arguably his best album, but he should not limit his creativity to the rhythms of the album.

Of course, every artiste is known for his or her signature sound. This, however, does not mean one should develop a habit of recycling his rhythms.

Thomas Mapfumo, Oliver Mtukudzi and Alick Macheso have been in the industry for decades and have distinguishable beats yet they always make sure that their new offerings are always different from their previous work.

The late Leonard Dembo was popular for his unmistakable lead guitar timbre yet he always came up with new beats. Also, there are tracks with heavy influences from other artistes, Mtukudzi to be precise, on songs like “Zama” and “Ndoenda”.

Put this aside, I feel “Jerusarema” is a decent effort from the musician. In the album, Jah Prayzah proves himself on the lyrical front that he is one of the best in the country.

His use of rich shona idioms makes him an envy of many youths.

“Jerusarema” comes laden with a balance of sing-along/party songs and easygoing tracks. This combination makes the product a complete arsenal. It caters for various tastes with ease.

Add to this, his collaboration with Jamaican superstar, Luciano aka The Messenger. It is indeed a superb effort and deserves a special mention. The track is just magnificent. It is not everyday that two artistes from different worlds collaborate and come up with a superb act.

On the song, the duo nailed it.

The track has an easy flow. Both artistes prove their mettle by aptly supporting each other – it is collaboration in the truest of sense of the word.

The lyrics that come in English by Luciano and Shona by Jah Prayzah are passed superbly by a luscious beat that is guided by the saxophone, in the process blending effortlessly.

Through beautiful and highly poetic lyrics in songs like the title track, “Jerusarema”, “Taura”, “Vanorodza Museve”, “Daira”, “Tiise Maoko” and “Zenze”, Jah Prayzah eloquently expresses the day-to-day lives that most Zimbabweans go through.

“Chinamira” is a popular and danceable track. The fast-paced song needs little or no introduction to Jah Prayzah’s fans that usually grace his shows. The lively song has had even the rigid ones dance to it.

In most of the tracks, the musician appeals to his ancestors and the Almighty for reprieve and that big opportunity that delivers a major transformation in his life.

Another brilliant track, “Jerusarema” is opened by Jah Prayzah’s mbira and immediately followed by a laid back bass guitar that defines the Third Generation resonance.

Courting the services of legendary producer, Keith Farquharson, the album’s sound quality cannot be doubted.

What has separated Jah Prayzah from his peers is that the musician always puts thought in his compositions. This latest offering has a simplicity and clarity that is enchanting and fluidly expresses the African spirit.

With a little more work, Jah Prayzah will make it to the top one day.

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