The Sunday Mail
TRAILBLAZING Jah Prayzah keeps reinventing himself in a way that keeps him relevant and ahead in the entertainment and lifestyle sector.
Early in the year he launched his record label, Military Touch Movement (MTM) and also completed a second recording studio, which is being used by many artistes to record their music.
This summer, Jah has spread his wings in the sector, joining the likes of Dr Oliver Mtukudzi, Jay Z and Cassper Nyovest by investing in a clothing line. This has seen him partner with multi award-winning fashion designer, Thembani Mubochwa.
The two big brands are looking forward to shake things up in the sector and set a new trend that will see artistes from all genres working more closely with fashion designers. Could this mean the Jah Prayzah brand is losing its military inspiration?
“I will still be wearing my ZDF regalia as I am their ambassador but because we cannot sell camouflage in the country as it is illegal, we decided to make something that can be sold and set a fashion trend in the country as is the case with other artiste’s the world over – hence the partnership with Thembani,” said a bubbly Jah Prayzah.
His manager, Keen Mushapaidze gave more detail, “Thembani is an outstanding fashion designer who has made it big in South Africa over the past couple of years. He has won so many awards because of his designing prowess and he has designed outfits for actors in films like ‘Generations’ and ‘Muvhango’, as well as so many other awards ceremonies in South Africa through his label TMZ.
“So when we decided to go the fashion route and establish our own clothing line, we felt there was no better person than Thembani as he has an understanding of both local and international trends,” said Mushapaidze.
He added that by joining the two brands, MTM and TMZ, they want to ensure the fashion sector is brought more into the limelight on the local showbiz scene.
“When we have fashion shows there is always music in the background as models showcase on the ramp but there aren’t any musicians available to push those designs to the masses.
The same scenario occurs at music awards ceremonies. People dress up but are donning foreign brands, we want to encourage local musicians to support local designers and vice versa through this partnership.
“For instance, at the Grammy Awards, when artistes are being questioned on the red carpet as to who dressed them, they always mention prominent designers from their countries, this is what we want to encourage in the sector. Yes, it has been happening but we want it to grow bigger and become the norm,” explained Mushapaidze.
Asked when the merchandise would be ready and what their line is offering, Mushapaidze said, “Well for now a lot of stuff is still being developed so I cannot give you the exact details as to what we are specifically offering as well as when the clothes will be ready. More details about that will be availed in due course but fans should brace themselves for something extraordinary.”
Besides making it big in South Africa, Mubochwa is the designer who made Jah Prayzah’s silver-gray outfit he wore to the “Kutonga Kwaro” album launch back in October.
Mubochwa will be making Jah Prayzah’s outfits for both on and off the stage.
Efforts to get a comment from Mubochwa were fruitless as the designer was busy working on attires for South African gospel musicians ahead of the Crown Gospel Awards which took place in Durban last week.
