CHOIR BOY

Mbongeni Msimanga, Sunday Life Correspondent
WHEN Mukudzei “Jah Prayzah” Mukombe started his music career as a gospel muso at the age of twelve, he never thought he would divert into other genres and be idolised as a top contemporary musician who would leave the crowds asking for more.

Just as his name “Jah Prayzah” suggests, he still praises God and believes his music is a form of gospel music that is pregnant with meaning, as he sings of what happens around people with a view to positively transform their lives.

In an interview with Sunday Life recently, Jah Prayzah opened up on how his music career shaped up over the years, stating that it all started in the house of the Lord, where he would sing melodious gospel songs.

“I have been a musician all my life and it is a talent that was given to me. I started as a gospel singer at United Methodist Church, and I believe I am still into gospel music as my music speaks to what happens in people’s lives,” he said.

Probably one of the best rated musicians in the country at the moment, he inherited his music genes from his mother who was a choir mistress at church and made his musical journey more serious.

This year, Jah Prayzah won two awards at the National Arts Merits Awards for outstanding album and Outstanding Male musician. He also once again displayed that he rules the roost, after bagging four awards at the Zimbabwe Music Awards (Zima) for Best Male Artist, Best Album of the year, Best Collaboration and Best Traditional Music.

Jah Prayzah said he attributes all his success to the grace of God and said the time had come for people to listen to music in an industry that has been described by many as a dog eat dog, where only the fit can survive.

“I really wouldn’t say it was difficult for me. I never gave up in the music industry and I think it is because my music is unique. It is just about time for me to be heard by people. I grew up in the rural areas in Uzumbamurambapfungwe, where we had no studios, but that never deterred me from working on my music and achieving my goals,” he said.

Not only has Jah Prayzah achieved in the music arena, but balances up his music and family time. The musician has three children and is happily married to supportive wife, Rufaro.

“I am happily married and I have three children and I must say my wife has been supportive of my music career too.

Life is not all about being on the stage, but also having to spend time with family,” he said.

The muso said his constant rise to success in the music industry is attributed to Chipaz and former manager, Mother Filo who was dismissed on unclear circumstances that he prefers not to talk about.

His popularity has earned him endorsement deals with Population Services International-Zimbabwe, Savanna Tobacco, Fasfit and Datlabs.

He has together with his Third Generation Band transformed their music into a brand that one can never be mistaken for any other. No doubt, Jah Prayzah is a complete musician — he has the natural voice and is an energetic dancer who plays his mbira mightily but with natural ease.