Online Reporter
Trust Khosa-Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
Afro jazz crooner, Jeys Marabini, is on cloud nine after being embraced by Zimbabweans across the divide.
Over the years, he was confined to Matabeleland,parts of the Midlands, and South Africa, but now he is cherished wherever he goes.
Reflecting on how he managed to win the hearts of many, Marabini noted that it was through authenticity.
“Music knows no language barrier, and in my case, it was a matter of being authentic, which has seen me attracting a huge following wherever I perform,” he shared.
“I can safely say I have been embraced throughout Zimbabwe, and we hope to resume live shows next month as we are resting in January.”
The lanky performer, who has been silently touring the globe, including South America, firmly believes in planning.
“We always strategise and plan accordingly, which has made my job that much easier. Right now, we have lined up a series of shows in Mt Darwin, Harare, and Marondera as we continue to penetrate many regions.
As for my band, we are always intact, and they are part of my decision-making process.”
Born Majayahodwa Ndlovu, the 56-year-old, who celebrated 35 years of music and mentorship last year, described 2025 as the most eventful year in his career.
“To be honest, I can’t complain as I reflect on the year 2025, where I made huge strides. I thoroughly enjoyed the years as we also concluded our season with shows in Harare, where I shared the stage with VictorKunonga at Westgate Mall, courtesy of Old Mutual.”
Marabini expressed his commitment to his fans, stating that he will continue to perform in Harare.
“Harare is our capital, and we cannot afford to run away from that fact. If you are loved and embraced in your capital city, then you have every reason to be ecstatic. In my case, I am glad that I am no longer a Bulawayo guy but a national treasure.”
The affable jazz crooner realised he was sitting on a goldmine in 2023 when he embarked on a tour of Harare and its surrounding areas, aptly named the “Meet the People Tour.”
During the tour, he also performed at the Jazz & Soul Festival at Sherwood Golf Club in Mabelreign, Harare.
He went on to hold a series of shows in Ruwa and Alliance Francaise in Harare.
“After my tour of Harare in 2023, I have realised that I have a huge fan base in Harare. I have a lot of fans in Harare who have been calling for us to return,” he shared.
He also mentioned that he has been in contact with several music promoters and venue owners in Harare.
“I am always in touch with the country’s top promoters, including Chipaz (Partson Chimbodza), as they are the ones running the shows.
“We have also connected with venue owners in Ruwa and the city centres for upcoming performances, and I can assure you that we will be performing there in the second half of 2025,” he emphasised. The hardworking jazz crooner attributed his appeal to diligence and consistency.
“I put in a lot of effort because music remains my first love. I have instilled the same spirit among my band members, and that is paying off.
“We just love what we do, and that has kept us going,” he stressed.
Born in Filabusi, Matabeleland South, Marabini has transformed from a herd boy to a prominent figure in Afro-jazz. Since breaking through in 1994 with the group Sunduza Boys, he has toured countries including India, Canada, Japan, Singapore and the United Kingdom.
