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Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa congratulates Jah Prayzah at the launch of his album

Sophia Chese Arts Correspondent
Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa last Friday hailed contemporary musician Mukudzeyi Mukombe aka Jah Prayzah for his contribution to the entertainment industry and for his role as an ambassador of the Zimbabwe National Army.

VP Mnangagwa was the guest of honour at the launch of Jah Prayzah’s sixth album “Jerusarema” that was held at the Harare International Conference Centre.

Speaking at the event, the VP said he was happy that Zimbabwe has a bright future in terms of music and entertainment.

“I feel greatly honoured to have been invited by this young man Jah Prayzah to launch his sixth album. I feel very proud when I see the enthusiasm from these young artistes and basing with this I can see that Zimbabwe has a great future ahead,” he said.

He added that with musicians like Jah Prayzah, the country’s culture is well preserved.

“With such brilliant musicians, Zimbabwe has a bright cultural future. I love you and respect you, as we go off stage we are very happy that we leave a creative generation behind,” he said.

VP Mnangagwa applauded the lanky musician for his role as the Zimbabwe National Army ambassador.

“You have done great work in the army. I salute you and I am proud of you,” he said.

The Vice President urged all young artistes to follow in the footsteps of renowned musician Oliver Mtukudzi whom he described as a legend that had raised the flag of the country high across the globe.

“Vadiki teerai tsoka dzaMtukudzi. He is a legend in the region and the whole continent. Tiri musango taiti tikavhurumutswa muswere wese manheru tairarama nenziyo dzaMtukudzi naMapfumo,” he said, attracting cheers from the crowd.

VP Mnangagwa bought the album for $2 000, while businessman Philip Chiyangwa gave the artiste two stands one in Harare worth $12 000 and the other one in Kariba worth $15 000.

Jah Prayzah thanked the Vice President for honouring his invitation and Chiyangwa for his kind gesture.

“I would like to thank the Vice President vane moyo wekubereka, vatadza kurara vakati regai tinosapota mwana, I feel greatly honoured and all the sponsors who made the event a success,” he said before calling upon his parents to thank Chiyangwa.

The event was partly sponsored by Savanna Tobacco that recently appointed Jah Prayzah an ambassador for their Pacific brand.

Speaking at the same event, Oliver Mtukudzi encouraged Jah Prayzah to remain focused despite the challenges he might face along the way.

“Ramba wakatarisa mberi, zvakawanda zvauchataurwa usacheuka shure ramba wakatarisa mberi, Jerusarema ndomavambo isu tongoramba tichikuteera . . . .(Look ahead. A lot will be said about you but keep focused. ‘Jerusarema’ is the beginning and we will keep on supporting you),” he said.

Songstress Cynthia Mare, who was among the performers of the night, failed to live up to expectation.

Her hits “Amai” and “Moto Ngaubvire” failed to excite revellers who seemed to have been geared up for more action.

She tried to spice up her performance with some dances, but still it did not work.

Dendera star Suluman Chimbetu served the thirsty crowd with a polished act that ignited the auditorium.

Sulu, who was in top form, performed some of his hit songs including “Sean Timba” and “Paye Paye” which he performed with Jah Prayzah. He played “Kwedu” a collaboration he did with Mtukudzi who joined him on stage during the performance.

This was one of the major highlights of the night with Tuku proving that he is still in the game big time with his energetic moves that were in line with the Orchestra Dendera Kings much to the amusement of the crowd which could not help but scream, sing and dance along.

Jah Prayzah also thrilled the full house when he went on stage and played some of the songs on the album including ‘‘Jerusarema’’ and ‘‘Eriza’’ before calling other artistes who had converged to celebrate with him on stage.

Trevor D, Dino Mudondo, Sandra Ndebele, Jairos Chabvonga, Mzimba, Mudiwa among others went on stage and celebrated with Jah Prayzah.

He closed the night with songs from previous albums like “Ngoda”, “Soja Rinosvika Kure”, “Moyo Wakaoma” among others.

Jive Zimbabwe, a company that is responsible for the marketing and distribution of the CD, urged the public to go for original copies.