Zimpapers Logo

Jerome Arab a.k.a JJ

Tafadzwa Zimoyo Entertainment Reporter
After some months away from the limelight, former Big Brother – The Chase housemate Jerome Arab is back with a 26-track mix tape album entitled “Draft Day”.

The mix-tape, which has songs like “Pot of Gold”, “Rich”, “Dominator”, “‘Call Me”, “High” and “Sugar”, features various artistes with title “Draft Day” on freestyle by Jerome.

It was produced by Emmerson Mnangagwa Jnr, J Auton (UK), T. Sean and James Sakala from Zambia.

Some of the songs are already trendy on iTunes.

Arab, affectionately known as JJ by his fans, has been in and out of the country for a while and says he is still the same person after BBA.

There were some reports suggesting the singer was broke, a drug addict and homeless but he says his focus is on talent that needs to be developed.

“Our arts sector is not paying much especially musicians. You can be a celebrity or famous in Zimbabwe but what I have realised is that so far, the sector needs help for it to develop,” he said.

In an interview with The Herald Entertainment, JJ said it was not true to say that he is done with music.

“I was born a musician and I am still doing what I am known for. Before I went to BBA, I was already a musician. The mix-tape ‘Draft Day’ is about a transition from point A to B. It is a direction to my music with songs from my past to the present. I have been to different countries recording my music from the Netherlands, Zambia to South Africa working with renowned producers and DJs. I am surprised that people think I am done, but I am here to stay. I am still the same JJ,” he said.

He said he has been working on his upcoming reality show called “Rome”, which is based on his life.

“My show is coming out soon. It is based on a true story, so people will understand and know who the real JJ is. I have also clinched mega deals abroad of which I can’t reveal as of now because of the contract that I have signed. But watch this space,” he said.

JJ said Zimbabwe was his home and he will not relocate.

‘’I love my country so much. I won’t even relocate to United Kingdom but will only go on business, music wise,” he said.

He said was working on a project which will see Takudzwa Paradzwa – a cancer patient – benefiting.

“I have been doing shows in different countries and when I came back home last week I was touched by the story of Takudzwa, who is suffering from cancer and want to assist is raising funds for him to go to India for an operation. I am organising a fund-raising concert scheduled for July 4, at Mount Pleasant Hall, theproceedings of which will go towards him,” he said.

Asked about his love life, the pint- sized ex-housemate said is still single.

“I am attached to my music, hence have been very busy lately and that is why I am single. I have engaged BaShupi, Macky 2 (ex-Zambian housemate BBA) on my singles. My album will be out by December 27 on my birthday if all goes well but I already have the name for it. It is called ‘My Vice’,” he said.

For now, he said will not take any part in any competition.

“I entered BBA not for fame because I already was an established artiste. I am not going to enter in any competition anytime soon ,” said JJ.