Jah Prayzah - bringing tradition together with Afrobeats
At WorldRemit, we’re delighted to have Jah Prayzah as one of our brand ambassadors. A real Zim success story, his music really connects Zimbabweans all around the world - not unlike our money transfers services.
Want to get to know him a little better? Then have a read of this article. We take a look at his musical journey and discover how keeping traditional Zimbabwean music alive is as important to him as his more up-to-the-minute Afrobeat sounds. He says of the traditional mbira - the uniquely African percussion instrument - that it really identifies Zimbabwean music:
“It’s important to keep playing mbira. Because that’s our culture as Zimbabweans and we don’t want to lose our culture.”
Let’s delve deeper into how he keeps that wonderful Zimbabwean culture thriving through his music.
Who is Jah Prayzah?
Jah’s real name is Mukudzeyi Mukombe, and he was born in Harare on 8 July 1983. His first experience of music and singing was when he sang as a little boy with his mother at the church where she would preach. He says that this is where he got the confidence to perform in front of others. And that confidence has certainly developed. His is a real ‘rag to riches’ story. Today, from his very humble beginnings, he’s become one of the leading figures in the Zimbabwean music industry, with a career spanning over 20 years.
Jah Prayzah's music, which is mainly sung in his native language Shona, combines elements of traditional Zimbabwean music and contemporary afrobeat.
His rise to fame began in 2003 when he released his debut album Sungano Yerudo. Since then, he’s gone from strength to strength.
Jah Prayzah’s impact on Zimbabwean music
Keeping Zimbabwean tradition and culture alive is a real motivating factor for Jah. And he’s accomplished this magnificently through his music. His creativity has really had a major impact on the Zimbabwean music industry. And, through his unique sound, he’s introduced new generations to traditional music by making it even more accessible and attractive to them.
He’s also inspired many up and coming musicians, who’ve been influenced by his style and approach.
Beyond borders: Jah Prayzah international recognition and collaboration
Today Jah stands amongst Africa’s giants of Zimbabwean music. But he hasn’t always done it alone. What really puts Jah Prayzah on the music map has been his collaborations. He’s worked with some if the biggest names not only in Africa, but overseas as well:
Diamond Platnumz
‘Watora Mari’ - Jah’s collaboration with Diamond Platnumz is one of the best. It won him not only an East African audience, but awards as well.
Yemi Alade
Teaming up with Mama Africa, Yemi Alade, to create the track ‘Nziyo Yerudo’ was yet another great Nigerian-Zimbabwe collaboration.
Davido
Singing in Shona this Nigerian superstar joined Jah Prayzah on the single ‘My Lilly’, which opened doors for Jah into the Nigerian market.
Mafikizolo
With a long career in African dance music, pop duo Mafikizolo (Nhlanhla and Theo) were perfect partners for Jah. Jah and Mafikizolo teamed up with DJ Maphorisa on production to make ‘Sendekera’.
Jah Cure
Jah Prayzah collaborated with Jamaican reggae legend Jah Cure for ‘Angel Lo’, with its high-quality video shot in Spain.
Jah Prayzah’s songs and hits
Want a little taste of what Jah’s music is like? Have a listen to these hit songs:
Kusina Mai - Sung in Shona throughout, this track is best described as mid-tempo Afro House. The song title is borrowed from the Shona proverb 'Kusina mai hakuendwe’, which translates as ‘Never go where your mother is absent’. Some say it tells the story of Zimbabwean migrants and the hardships they face abroad.
Chiremerera - Released in 2023, this latest single from Jah Prayzah is a testament to his growth and evolution as an artist. It has a catchy melody and heartfelt lyrics that will delight fans all over the world. DJ Tamuka Makuluni and Rodney Beatz worked on the production of this song.
Dzima - Jah Prayzah brought his fans another hit Dzima. He joined forces with the fabulous South African singer, Makhadzi, who was born and raised in Ha-Mashamba.
A commitment to making a world of difference
Not only is Jah Prayzah making a world of difference with his music, but he selflessly extends himself to help others. Despite his busy schedule, Jah Prayzah finds time to be an ambassador for several causes such as HIV/AIDS awareness and poverty alleviation.
He has also joined with WorldRemit to be our brand ambassador - to tell the world about our fast and safe money transfer service. Like his music, it connects Zimbabweans all over the world and helps keep the spirit of Zim alive - one transfer at a time.
Send money to Zimbabwe and be a Zim Winner
Great news, if you’re thinking of sending money home to Zimbabwe before 1 January 2024, you could win an exclusive Zim hoodie or t-shirt. Simply send money today and enter our free prize draw to be a Zim Winner!
If you do send money to Zimbabwe, WorldRemit will always make it easy for you. Our service is fast and safe, and we have the largest cash pickup service in Zim. So, your loved ones can pick up the money you send effortlessly - USD guaranteed.
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The contents of this blog post do not constitute legal or financial advice and are provided for general information purposes only. If you require specific legal and / or financial advice you should contact a specialist lawyer or financial advisor. Information true at time of publishing.
