Jah Prayzah Taking collabo baton from Tuku?

Bruce Ndlovu
Since the release of Mudhara Vachauya last year, it has become clear that Jah Prayzah is keen on expanding his influence beyond the countrya��s borders.

When his collaboration with Diamond Platnumz hit the countrya��s music scene, many saw a stylistic shift that he has only expanded on in the months following the release of that blockbuster collaboration.

The recent collaboration with Mafikizolo has cemented his standing as the one Zimbabwean artiste that wants to corner the African music market.

For the past two decades, Oliver Mtukudzi has been the only high profile artiste to collaborate extensively with the hottest African acts.

Although the evergreen elder statesman in Zimbabwean music is still active and in fine form, he perhaps does not capture the imagination of the younger listeners who turn on MTV Base, Trace TV and other music video channels to see their favourite stars in action.

As Tuku inevitably approaches the twilight of his career, could he be replaced by Jah Prayzah as the countrya��s biggest artiste continentally?

a�?Wea��re not going to completely abandon Zimbabwe but yes, wea��re focusing on the global music market. There comes a point in the lifespan of an artiste where you cana��t just be satisfied with what you have achieved locally but instead you export your product.

a�?We wona��t abandon Zimbabwe because it is the local fans that elevate you to international recognition,a�? said Jah Prayzaha��s manager Keen Mushapaidze.

He added that Jah was indeed following the trail blazed by the likes of Tuku, although he was interested in leaving his own unique footprint on the local scene.

a�?Yes, he was inspired by the likes of Tuku and Mapfumo. These are people who had white people coming to their shows in numbers. However, in the same breath Ia��d hasten to add that although he wants to follow in their footsteps, he also wants to chart his own path,a�? said Mushapaidze.

He added that Jaha��s hot streak of collaborations was unlikely to cool off soon.

a�?The international shows are coming thick and fast in comparison to what we used to get a while back. I think this is because we are now exposed to the international market. We are not going to slow down on the collaborations and in fact, we have recently confirmed another collaboration with Eddy Kenzo who is the biggest Ugandan musician.

  .