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ZIMBABWEAN American rapper, Dumisani “Draze” Maraire Junior, says he wants to be loved here at home.
The gifted singer fuses rap music with mbira and marimba.
The Seattle-born rapper salutes his parents for showing him the way to appreciate African tradition.
Draze opened up in an interview earlier this week, shortly after the burial of his grandmother, in Manicaland.
The rapper’s granny, Jane Chiora, was buried last Friday.
She was 93.
He told H-Metro that he was really touched by his granny’s death.
“I have lost many relatives over the years but my granny’s loss is too much for me,” he said.
“My granny was the centre of the family. She taught me everything I am today.
“She taught me to identify myself as a Zimbabwean, as a way of appreciating my culture.
“She also taught me to have integrity and be proud of my roots.”
Draze, who was embraced by his close relatives during his visit, has vowed to write a song for his late granny.
“I will definitely do something. I am going to reflect on it and write the song for her.
“I will just write what I think about her.
“I want Zimbabwe to embrace me and my music.
“A lot of people don’t know me but I would like to do more for my people.”
The EMM award winner added:
“My vision is bigger than music. I would like to build a bridge for artists and business, I also like to create industries in Zimbabwe and America.
“I am always in touch with other Zimbabwean stars in America like Tongayi Chirisa, Sibongile and many others.
“I was surprised when Tongayi Chirisa gave me a ring congratulating me for winning the EMMY award in 2022.
“I was also in touch with Madam Boss when she visited America.”’
Draze is not only a musician but a multi-media personality who has done a lot in the US for himself.
“I write for television, I do commercials as well as producing music.”
To date he has released three albums – Holy Haters released in 2001, Prince of Thieves (2011) and Seattle’s Own.
Last year, he won an EMMY award for his talent.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter