The Sunday News
Mbongeni Msimanga
WHEN Majahawodwa “Jays Marabini” Ndlovu first took to the stage, he faced challenges faced by many up-and-coming artistes.
In the eye of these challenges such as lack of sponsorship and appreciation, he persevered and grew to be a renowned and reputable musician from the Matabeleland region.
Today Marabini is a much-sought-after artiste, with many musicians and sponsors seeking to be associated with him.
Perhaps Marabini, in his memoirs has barely mentioned that without the aid of one particular sponsor, it would have taken a bit longer to gain reputation.
Speaking to Sunday Leisure, Marabini’s mystery sponsor — Kalani Ndlovu, a prominent businessman, popularly known as Mjayeli, said he instantly fell in love with Marabini’s music, as it vastly appealed to his inner soul.
Mjayeli also noted that besides the appeal Marabini’s music had on him, there was a need to support the arts industry in Zimbabwe.
Mjayeli said he recognised the immense talent that Marabini had and felt he could go far with his music career and also set an example to other young upcoming artistes.
“What is lacking in the arousal of interest is the need to support arts industry. It always feels so good to listen to local music, although people do not understand how artistes get their acts together. Musicians always make our lives lighter and it is unfortunate they face financial constraints to get their acts to the public,” said Mjayeli.
A typical example of a businessman giving back to his community and uplifting local talent, Mjayeli said it was sad to see the important component of music being isolated.
With most artistes succumbing to the vagaries of the economic conditions in Zimbabwe, Mjayeli noted that it was time for people to recognise that talent was being wasted.
Mjayeli said the Marabini’s music was not just entertaining but educative.
He said the issues raised in Marabini’s music were original and brought a nostalgic feeling of a Zimbabwe that hadn’t been corrupted by globalisation.
“I met Marabini through a guy called Butho Dube who approached me and suggested I listen to his music. I got to understand the levels of strain that artistes go through from back stage and the fact that they have families to fend for. His music has a huge impact in his community and it is grounded from a rural setting. He speaks of the language of the ordinary man, the villager and the girl child. In essence it is value driven. It is important that we support our local acts as that industry is in trouble,” said Mjayeli.
Marabini and Mjayeli share a special friendship and a mutual understanding, which saw Marabini, dedicate a song — Isilo and album to Mjayeli.
