Muridzo attributes success to mbira

Standard Style
UPCOMING musician, Andy Muridzo said his music is distinct from other genres because of the powerful mbira instrument which has become popular with revellers wherever he performs.

UPCOMING musician, Andy Muridzo said his music is distinct from other genres because of the powerful mbira instrument which has become popular with revellers wherever he performs.

Our Staff

Andy Muridzo who has been labelled a Jah Prayzah copycat said the mbira that he plays is the secret behind his sudden popularity.

Andy Muridzo

“When I started performing people labelled me a Jah Prayzah copycat. I don’t dispute that because he is the one who inspired me and encouraged me to sing like him,” said Andy Muridzo in an interview with The Standard Style.

“I have discovered that the secret to my success is not singing like Jah Prayzah, but the mbira. People like the mbira very much and I want to make it a point that I build my music on the mbira,” he said.

The Budiriro-based musician paid tribute to Jah Prayzah, describing him as a brother and mentor who encouraged him to sing contemporary music.

“I was into R’B, but Jah asked me to sing his genre, saying there was no one singing such a genre,” Andy Muridzo said.

Born Kudzai Andrew Ngwenya, Andy Muridzo said his music was becoming popular as evidenced by people who throng to his shows.

“We are getting better by each day. People now appreciate our music and in March we are releasing a second album, which I believe will shake up the music industry,” said the Jeetaz Band frontman.

Andy Muridzo introduced himself to the music industry in March last year, with a debut album Pakubuda Kwezuva. Jah Prayzah is featured on the title track.

The 13-member Jeetaz Band has proved popular at live shows with their stage acts that are out of this world.

“We are energetic and we want to give the best to those who will be watching us perform. We are a young group and we want to prove that we have all what it takes to be among the best group in the country,” he said.

Andy Muridzo who is performing before full houses said he was contemplating taking his music outside Zimbabwe.

“We want to use our mbira to explore African and global markets. Our music is Zimbabwean and appeals to foreigners,” he said.

While Jah Prayzah and his Third Generation Band brand themselves as soldiers, the Jeetaz Band branded themselves police officers.

“When we are on stage we are the police officers. It is something that has made our live performances unique,” he said.

Andy Muridzo has held performances in most parts of the country. His group performs every week at Dandaro Inn in Harare and frequently hold shows at Club Paramount in Chitungwiza.

However, Andy Muridzo said it was not all that rosy because the group does not have a PA system and a transport for band members.