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Ntombiyolwandle Ndlovu, Sunday Life Reporter
VETERAN Harare-based producer Blessing Muparutsa appreciates working with Afro-Jazz musician Jeys Marabini on his recently released album — Thula Sana.
Marabini whose real name is Majahawodwa Ndlovu launched his eighth, 12-track album at Bulawayo Theatre last week.
While his previous projects have been equally good, the latest has its own uniqueness, as it has a skilful touch of a seasoned producer — Muparutsa.
Muparutsa who was born in a musical family has produced music for many successful artistes, who include the late Andy Brown, Thomas Mapfumo, Colour Blue, Hope Masike, Oliver Mtukudzi and South African musicians such as the late Vuyo Mokoena, Lundi, Rebecca Malope and Thembinkosi among others. In his career, Muparutsa had not worked with a Bulawayo-based musician until he met Jeys. Muparutsa told Sunday Life that he was honoured to work with Jeys.
“I am very honoured to have had the opportunity to work with Jeys, as I have learnt a lot from him, as much as he also learnt from me,” said Muparutsa.
Muparutsa said he met Marabini in 2010, which led to the beginning of their friendship.
“I met Jeys six years back in Bulawayo when I was on tour with Oliver Mtukudzi who I was working with at that time. Two years later we became close friends and I then started organising shows for him, I remember one at Book Café which was a success.
“We solidified our friendship. He just mentioned that he wanted to feature me in one of his songs but never did I think I would one day produce for him. Today here we are and we have successfully produced and launched an album,” he said.
Muparutsa said that working with Jeys was refreshing in terms of bringing new ideas and value considering that they are both from different backgrounds.
“Last year we started working together. I brought some fresh ideas and I believe it is a necessary change that people will embrace. We are giving people something different that they are not used to. I am from Manicaland but now I am based in Mashonaland and I brought cross cultural combination of ideas to the album. I also believe that with the experience and knowledge that I have together with Jeys, we managed to bring out a different texture to his music,” Muparutsa said.
Jeys also expressed the same sentiments about working with Muparutsa.
“Working with Muparutsa has been a blessing, as he possesses vast knowledge, being that he is from a family of music. Our relationship in coming out with the album has been great and I learnt a lot from working with him. I chose to work with Muparutsa in this album because I wanted to take a different dimension to my music, as he is someone who has worked with successful musicians such as Mutukudzi. I also wanted to give my fans some spice. The direction of my music however, does not change, we are just having fresh ideas brought on board,” he said.
Jeys said that his album had so far received great appreciation from those that had managed to listen to it.
“So far I have received overwhelming response from the public, as people are buying my CDs, regardless of the fact that they are going for $10. Some order from as far as Harare and Mutare and it is only a few days after the launch. After all I believe good music sells,” he added.
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