RuJazz preaches hope

Standard Style
By Style Correspondent SOUTH Africa-based Zimbabwean gospel songstress Rumbi Chikuwe, also known as RuJazz, has released a single titled Haana Kuomerwa which preaches hope to people facing hard times.

By Style Correspondent

SOUTH Africa-based Zimbabwean gospel songstress Rumbi Chikuwe, also known as RuJazz, has released a single titled Haana Kuomerwa which preaches hope to people facing hard times.

After a five-year hiatus from the music scene, RuJazz says the single is set to reintroduce her to her fans in Zimbabwe.

Haana Kuomerwa features another gospel musso, Blessing Jeduthun, who is riding high on the wave of his new-found success on the music scene.

The single, which is jazz- flavoured, is a blend of melodic vocals, soothing instrumentation and a powerful message which is an affirmation of God’s faithfulness.

“The single talks to every situation of doubt and hopelessness that we constantly find ourselves in, especially during this era where there is Covid-19,” RuJazz told Standard Style.

Drawing inspiration from seasoned musicians like Shingisai Suluma, Takesure Zamar Ncube and the late music icon Oliver Mtukudzi, RuJazz desires to produce contemporary jazz for gospel music lovers.

The gospel music scene has seen several acts like Josh Meck, Dudu Manhenga and recently Tariro neGitare break new ground to produce gospel jazz.

Although the genre has been dominated by other sounds, more artistes are fusing jazz music with traditional sounds, R‘n’B and blues.

“I draw my inspiration from the jazz fusions of the late Dr Tuku and the melodies of Mama Shingisai Suluma. And so we strive to give our audience a contemporary jazzy sound that everyone in any society can enjoy and relate to as we touch their hearts with the Gospel of Jesus Christ,” the upcoming songstress said.

The sizzling single was produced by well-known music producer Nigel Nyangombe, who also produces for Minister Michael Mahendere.

Due to Covid-19 that led to a total lockdown in Zimbabwe and South Africa, the single was done online, thanks to latest technology.

“Thanks to technology we did not have to travel to Zimbabwe during this pandemic. All the work was done through the internet,” RuJazz said.

South Africa-based producers Shiloh Mupure and DJ Shiloh also contributed to the project which has already done well on online stores.

RuJazz owes her growth in the music industry to fellow musician Tsitsi Kudira whom she did backing vocals for on her Thankful live recording.

“I grew up in a Christian family and I would sing in praise and worship at church until I served as a backing vocalist for Tsitsi Kudita on her album Thankful.

It was then that I got the courage to pursue music and I recorded a five-track album titled Ndiwo Maitiro Enyu in December 2015,” RuJazz said.

She told her fans to expect more music from her which will feature seasoned artistes.

“I am so grateful to all the RuJazz family for their amazing support. We are working on new projects which will also feature one or two songs from my first album,” RuJazz said.