The Sunday News
Bhekumuzi Ncube, Sunday Life Reporter
POPULARLY known for his signature full military combat regalia, Jah Prayzah has once again been sucked into the vortex of artistic controversy following the release of his latest album Kutonga Kwaro whose lyrics have been perceived to be laden with political overtones.
The album was launched at the Harare International Conference Centre last week where businessman and socialite Wicknell Chivayo bought the CD for a whopping $10 000.
The sensational superstar, perhaps the current leading musician in the country, has, however, maintained that his music has nothing to do with the country’s politics.
A section of the society seem to point to his two last albums, Mdhara Vachauya and Kutonga Kwaro as politically suggestive.
Mdara Vachauya which means the elder or boss shall come, and his latest Kutonga Kwaro whose lyrics talk about the arrival of a hero and the changes that the hero will make have largely been viewed by many to have political connotations.
There are people who have even accused the My Lily hit maker of using politically related titles to attract people to follow his music which the artiste’s camp has admitted as a marketing gimmick.
And he seems to be hitting the right tune if the numbers that thronged HICC last week for Kutonga Kwaro album launch are anything to go by.
In defence of Kutonga Kwaro title, Jah Prayzah, who became the first Zimbabwean artiste to win an award at MTV Awards in South Africa, said he chose titles that he felt had the weight to attract people.
“I pick a name that gives weight to the album. My main motive is to change the game in music, to raise my country’s flag high,” said Jah Prayzah.
His camp has denied any deliberate political motivation or inspiration in the artiste’s music saying people were free to interpret the songs and titles the way they wanted as in other art genres.
The 14-track album was successfully launched despite Nigerian superstar, Davido, failing to turn up for the launch as he was being questioned over the death of his friend Tagbo Umeike, who reportedly succumbed to suffocation.
Jah Prayzah’s manager, Keen Mushapaidze said Jah Prayzah very affected by the uncomfortable allegations against Davido.
“Obviously it’s very hard for Jah Prayzah if his counterpart, who was supposed to be part of the album launch failed to turn up because he faced disturbing issues at home. Jah Prayzah is praying for Davido for things to work well for him,” he said.
One of the standout tracks of Kutonga Kwaro album is Nziyo Yerudo featuring Yemi Alade, Poporopipo featuring Diamond Platnumz, Pikoko, Hello Mama and Ndin’ndamubata which have been well received by fans.
Oliver Tuku Mtukudzi and Winky D were in attendance.
Tuku performed his renowned tracks Madiro, Ndakuvara, Ndozeza, and Bopoto, while Winky D also made sure fans did not think about Davido during the launch.
Other artistes who rocked the stage include Zambia’s Mampi, MTM’s Nutty O, ExQ and Andy Muridzo.
Mushapaidze said Jah Prayzah was on his way to the City of Kings soon.
“We are very grateful to the fans that made the concert exactly what Jah Prayzah could have dreamt of. Jah Prayzah will be visiting Bulawayo with the new offering at a date to be announced and we expect a full house as usual,” he said.
