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MUTARE-born upcoming Afro-jazz artiste, Memory Madekurozva, has compiled a single collaboration, Chengetedza, featuring man-of-the-moment, Jah Prayzah, whose real name is Mukudzeyi Mukombe.
The track which is already receiving generous airplay on StarFM, SpotFM and Zi-FM will be part of her six-track debut album expected to be released early next year.
The track produced by Humpfrey Domboka was recorded at JP Studios owned by the Tsviriyo hit-maker Jah Prayzah. The studio was opened in June this year.
Memo joins the increasing list of afro-jazz female artistes recording at the new studio, like Cynthia Mare of the Dai Zvaibvira fame, who was first to record at the studio in July.
Early this year in February, Memo released another single Mutima wako produced by Mono Mukundu, a track with passada flair.
Memo who early this year moved base to Harare to advance her music career said she was slowly making inroads in the cut throat music industry.
“I can say slowly I am making inroads and my recent collaboration with Jah Prayzah, is also giving me the exposure I needed. I have been slowly getting gigs, playing at the Bar Lounge, where several prolific artistes perform. So I can say I am happy with the year 2015 and people should anticipate more from me in 2016,” said Memo.
The track Chengetedza is an advisory song to youths about life urging them to make wise decisions because they only have one life span.
“I like social commentary songs. I showed Jah Prayzah the lyrics at his studio and he liked them. He did not even hesitate to take up my offer to do a duet right away,” said Memo.
Meanwhile, the highly anticipated Jah Prayzah show which was slated for Motoring Club in Mutare next Friday has been cancelled.
According to organisers of the show, Jah Prayzah’s last minute cancellation was due to a binding contract that the artiste has with Mutare’s prominent businessman, Esau Mupfumi.
“Mr Mupfumi approached Jah Prayzah and showed him the contract signed a few years back between him (Mupfumi) and the then management, which is actually valid till now. It restricts Jah Prayzah from performing elsewhere in Mutare except for Mupfumi’s bar, the Platinum Bar. They said they will reimburse the money we had paid three weeks in advance to book the show,” said one of the organisers.
The Tsviriyo hit-maker is currently the top-biller in the music industry, drawing large attendances at his shows following the release of his latest album Jerusarema in May.
Online Reporter