‘It takes commitment to succeed’

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In just two years that he has been in the mainstream music sector, Jah Prayzah has risen to become one of the most sought-after musicians on the land.

In just two years that he has been in the mainstream music sector, Jah Prayzah has risen to become one of the most sought-after musicians on the land. SILENCE CHARUMBIRA

From being a downright urban grooves wannabe, the young artist is now dining and wining with the very best on the local music scene, who have accepted him as one of their own.

According to him, it has all to do with hard work and patience.

“Many people think I just woke up to glory, but I have been a musician since 2001 and only got my break nine years later. At one time I thought of quitting music and applied for a job in the army and got a response. It was at that time that I started getting bookings and decided against enrolling in the army,” said Jah Prayzah.

Real name Mukudzei Mukombe, the young musician’s choreography and a striking costume style are ample proof of his ambitions of being a member of the army.

“When my dream of becoming a soldier died, I decided to console myself with the regalia,” he said.

His tale since his first appearance on the mainstream arena is that of one destined for the top.

His debut album Sungano made it into the Top 10 Songs of the Year  in 2010 on radio, while the following year it was the video for Maria, which was voted number one on local television.

“This year has been great for me. I bought my first car this year and many were shocked when they saw me driving a Mercedes Benz C200,” he said.

“Similarly, my first foreign show came this year when I toured the United Kingdom. It does not surprise me since I know where I have been and how long it took me to get there.”

Humility should keep artists grounded

To date, he has collaborated with Sulumani Chimbetu on his latest offering Syllabus, Somandla Ndebele on his track Kumusha, Chiwoniso Maraire on Dande and did a project with upcoming artist Lady G.

On his upcoming album that is yet to be named, he will be collaborating with Tuku on the track Cecelia.

He warned his contemporaries not to get carried away by the fame. “When we get to the stage where people scream and jostle to get a glimpse of us, others get carried away and forget the mission.”

Inspiration comes from parents’ love for Tuku’s music

Born in a family of five, Jah Prayzah, who recently threw a lavish birthday party for his mother at his rural home in Uzumba, said it takes commitment to succeed.

The gangly artist says all he does is inspired by superstar Oliver Mtukudzi, who regularly advises him.

He says he owes this inspiration to his parents’ love for Tuku’s music.

“He (Mtukudzi) is so humble. When you are performing before him at a live show, he joins the crowd and watches from there. Who else does that in Zimbabwe? We tend to carry the air of celebrity status around us and that stops us from growing.”

He blamed ego for most musicians’ failure to pay attention to detail. Socially Jah Prayzah says he likes to spend time with his wife and attending other musicians’ gigs.

The musician believes the best way to be in good books with fellow artists is through doing collaborations.