The Sunday Mail
JAH PRAYZAH
TSVIRIYO hit-maker, Mukudzei Mukombe aka Jah Prayzah, will attempt to assert himself as no push over this Friday when he, for the second time, takes to the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC) to launch his latest album, “Jerusarema”.
This is a repeat of last year’s brave attempt by the artiste to launch his album at the giant auditorium. Unfortunately, the 2014 release “Kumbumura Mhute”, received a lukewarm response. It failed to match the standards he set with the chat-topping “Tsviriyo”, released in 2013.
Jah Prayzah won four gongs for his effort on “Tsviriyo” at the National Arts Merit Awards (Nama). But last year, he walked away empty handed after “Kumbumura Mhute”, which had tracks like “Makanika” and “Mukadzi Wangu” failed to produce a hit.
Pundits argued that the project was rushed. Moreover, they argue that some of the tracks from his last offering sounded like they were remade versions of his old songs. For instance, “Mukoma Makaoma” sounds like “Tsamba”, whilst “Mukadzi Wangu” sounds more like a revised edition of “Ngoda”.
Following a low uptake of the album, the musician went on to release a single, “Karunyerekupe” to help refresh his popularity. Whether that helped or not is subject to debate but the artiste’s live shows received a huge boost and he has remained one of the biggest crowd pullers in the country.
However, this time around, the musician believes he has done his homework. Jah Prayzah feels his effort aided by the expert touch of talented producer, Keith Farquharson of Sugarfoot Mastering Lab, will produce a favourable result for him.
But before we even start wondering about the content of the album, some sections are already arguing on whether the artiste has the capacity to fill the HICC.
He struggled the last time.
And most artistes, including visiting international artistes, have sneezed at the same venue.
“I always thrive to produce the best for my fans who happen to be our jury. I’m certain that on May 22, my fans will get something that will make them smile and enjoy. We have worked hard on this project. Everything is as it should be,” remarked Jah Prayzah.
The album, which is now ready for the market will be mastered and distributed by Jive Zimbabwe. Director of the music marketing and distribution company Benjamin Nyandoro said they were ready for their task.
“I have created a bar code for the company so that it can be sold on the international platform. It will be sold in shops, airports and every other place as the bar code is internationally recognised. In short we are ready for our task,” said Nyandoro.
Tracks that make up the11-track album include “Jerusarema”, “Eriza”, “Roots” which features Jamaican artiste Luciano, “Ndoenda”, “Daira”, “Chinamira”, “Vanorodza Miseve”, “Tiise Maoko”, “Zama”, “Zenze” and “Taura”.
Dendera musician Suluman Chimbetu and Cynthia Mare will be part of the performing artistes on the night of the launch, but more surprise acts are expected.
Jah Prayzah’s other albums include “Dura” (2006), “Rudo Nerunyararo” (2007), “Sungano Yerudo” (2010) and “Ngwarira Kuparara” (2012).
