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Brenda Phiri Harare Bureau
Jah Prayzah’s four nominations at this year’s Zimbabwe Music Awards (Zima) are just a tip of the musicians’ achievements in the music industry. The musician has bagged many awards and is also vying for an All Africa Music Award in the best male artiste in Southern Africa category. At the Zimas, scheduled for October 29 at the Harare International Conference Centre, Jah Prayzah will be vying for Best Traditional Music, Album of the Year, Best Male and Best Collaboration awards.

The road to stardom for Jah Prayzah (born Mukudzei Mukombe) has been one characterised by twists and turns. Because of hard work and innovation, the musician is now among the best. His induction into the country’s top entertainers with barely three albums to his career, was not a surprise to those who were following his musical journey.

According to the 27-year-old Third Generation frontman, it was his second album, Sungano Ye Rudo released in 2009 that earned him recognition, even though people did not know the star behind the hits then.

The follow up Ngwarira Kupara set the bar high for the musician who immediately embarked on a domination path, becoming a popular figure at most shows upon its release in 2011.

He faced glitches as he climbed up the ladder because some people did not approve of his music with some high-end fans going to the extent of paying a certain promoter in Harare not to bring Jah Prayzah on stage. They described his music as “noise”.

It is now a case of haters eating their words as Jah Prayzah is now on top of his game, seven years into his music career with five albums to his name. He added albums Rudo ne Runyararo in 2007, Tsviriyo in 2013 and Kumbumura Mhute in 2014 to his discography and his star is now shining even beyond the Zimbabwean borders.

His first accolade was the Victors award in 2012 after the popularity of the song Gochi Gochi. He was made the Peace Ambassador in 2013 and got a Ngoma Award later that year.

He literary stole the show early this year when he bagged five National Arts Merit awards. But then Jah Prayzah has his fingers crossed as he hopes for the best while expecting the worst at Zima.

“What I know is that our industry has a lot of talented artistes. It will be a blessing if I win, but there is a possibility that I might not. The nomination alone is humbling as it is clear that I am being recognised for the effort I am making in my music,” he said.

His versatility has made music enthusiasts appreciate his inclusion of traditional instruments and rich Shona language in his reggae contemporary/ afro fusion music.

“While the music has been classified as contemporary reggae, I feel that does not do justice to some of my songs like Gochi Gochi and Tsviriyo that have a different feel altogether. I am however glad that the style is not like any other and is a reflection of where I am from,” he said.

Jah Prayzah said his passion for music began at their rural home of Uzumba – the place that influenced his style. He recalled how it was clear to everyone that he would pursue a future in music considering his keen interest from an early age.

“I used to sing in the school choir at Musanhi Secondary School when I was around 14 years old. I would also write songs for the choir and at one point my Shona teacher even said that I was going to be a musician one day,” he said.

While it was clear then that music was his first love, Jah Prayzah had another dream of joining the military as a soldier but as fate would have it, he ended up getting the best of both worlds.

“It is true that I wanted to be a soldier at one time and even though I did not manage to accomplish that dream I incorporated the military theme in my music.

“I have mastered the military drills and I am happy that I was made an ambassador of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces,” he said.