Name: Mukudzei Mukombe
Date of Birth: 4 July 1987
Occupation: Musician, brand ambassador, artist manager
Spouse: Rufaro Chiworeso
Facts: Founder of Record Label: Military Touch Movement
Richest Musician in Zimbabwe
Born and raised in the small town of Murehwa, Mashonaland East in Zimbabwe on the 4th of July 1987. Jah Prayzah is the last in a family of 5 and was born to parents John Mukombe and Shirely Savanhu at Nyadire Hospital. As a child, he attended Musami Primary and High School in Murehwa, and then moved to Harare where he completed his ‘O’ and ‘A’ Level at Kuwadzana High 1 while living with his uncle.
Name and regalia
The name Jah Prayzah came from a creative fusion of the artists love for reggae and his first name.
Mukudzei (his first name) means Praise God- Prayzah
Jah is the Rastafarian name for God
His Military look and attire was inspired by his childhood dream of becoming a soldier. This choice of attire shocked many, because at the time, Zimbabweans were not be seen roaming with camouflage and military wear. There has been much speculation of his involvement with the army of Zimbabwe.
MUSIC CAREER
Mukudzeyi found his passion for music in form 2 through being inspired by his teacher who played the Mbira music instrument. When he moved to Harare, he bought the instrument from a close friend and became more vested in music. He began recording dancehall and reggae songs with his friends and together created a unique sound which became popular in their township Budiriro. Mukudzei recorded his first demo titled ‘I love Reggae’ with his cousin Simeon Mukombe, and although it did not get much publicity, they were encouraged to record another. Unfortunately, the 2nd album followed the same fate as the 1st.
The artist got his big break in 2012 with the album ‘Sungano’. This album was recognized by music promoter Patson Chimbodza and this encouraged him to release yet another album naming it Ngwarira Kuparara. With featured artists such as Chiwoniso Maraire and hit tracks such as ‘GOTCHI GOTCHI’, Jah Prayzah was now officially in the music ring. The following year (2013), he released the album ‘Tsviriyo’ which became a hit. From then till the time of this article (2018), his albums are as follows:
DISCOGRAPHY
• “Chitubu” (2 November 2018)
• Kutonga Kwaro (2017)
• Mdhara Vachauya (2016)
• Jerusarema (2015)
• Kumbumura Mhute (2014)
• Tsviriyo (2013)
• Ngwarira Kuparara (2012)
• Sungano Yerudo (2010)
• Rudo Nerunyararo (2007)
Jah Prayzah has been on an incredible streak, collaborating with other African artists such as Yemi Alade, Davido, Jah Cure Mafikizolo and more. Locally he has worked with several great artists including the legendary Oliver Mtukudzi. The artists concerts sell out in a blink of an eye as he is also an incredible performer who knows how to keep a crowd! In February 2017, Jah Prayzah launched his record label MILITARY TOUCH MOVEMENT which has an inhouse producer DJ Tamuka and various artists including Ex-Q and Andy Muridzo. The label is well known for their high-quality international sound, videos and performance.
Mukudzei’s music celebrates and showcases an authentic Zimbabwean sound which had been missing for some time in the younger generation. He is very poetic in his use of his mother-tongue and creates music with lyrics not only relevant, but also relatable to all generations.
RECOGNITION
In 2013, Jah Prayzah set the record in Zimbabwe by taking the top three spots in the country’s yearly Top 100 music countdown hosted by Radio Zimbabwe. He has won over 10 NAMA awards since 2013 and in 2016 he won the Listeners’ Choice awards and set another record as the first Zimbabwean to win at an MTV Africa Music Awards. These awards have been as follows:
• NAMA 2018 Awards – Outstanding Album – Kutonga kwaro
• NAMA 2014 Awards – Outstanding Album Tsviriyo
• NAMA 2014 Awards – Outstanding Song Tsviriyo
• NAMA 2014 Awards – Outstanding Male Artist Jah Prayzah
• NAMA 2014 Awards – Outstanding Video Mwanasikana
• NAMA 2014 Awards – People’s Choice Jah Prayzah
• NAMA people’s choice award
• NAMA male artist of the year
• Zim Dream Online award- 2014
• NAMA 2013 award for song of the year – Gotchi Gotchi
• 2013 Zimbabwe Peace ambassador award
The hit-maker has become a household name and is the brand Ambassador for:
Chicken Slice
Savanna Tobacco
Champions insurance
Population Services International Zimbabwe
First ambassador for Zimbabwe Defense Forces
Jah Prayzah is also conscious of representing his OWN brand, and he does so very well! http://www.jahprayzah.com/. It is no wonder he has earned his way to becoming the richest musician as of November 2018.
Finally, the artist is enthusiastic about giving back to those around him particularly, youth, women and girls. He believes in motivating young people to pursue their goals and in mentoring them to do so. As for women and children, Jah Prayzah is a strong believer, that they are the key to the future and must be treated and empowered as such.
