I WROTE this article with a heavy heart after I learnt of the barbaric attack on one of Zimbabwe’s finest musicians, Jah Prayzah (pictured). The attack, happening at an unlikely event, a burial at one of the secluded and expensive cemeteries in the country, Glen Forest Memorial Park, was a stark contrast with the place and what the musician stands for — peace and entertainment. BY DANIEL NGWIRA
The attack on the iconic singer was evidence of hate and anger among the villains. It appeared there was something harboured in their hearts. That sustained level of attack on a superstar shows that this could have been well-orchestrated. Only time will tell.
The attack and ensuing pandemonium reminded me of our university days back in the 1990s, except that this time around there was no tear smoke. Scores of people ran for cover just like the iconic musician. Jah Prayzah is supposed to be celebrated, not humiliated like that. There is need to respect musicians.
Jah Prayzah is a young man who came into the industry and not only changed the game, but set the pace. In the process, he lifted the country’s flag high and he continues to do so. Yes, other great musicians have lifted the flag high.
These include the iconic Thomas “Mukanya” Mapfumo who traversed the globe with his Chimurenga music. This was at a time mbira music had not commercialised.
Because of Mukanya and people like Ephat Mujuru, not only did the traditional instrument rise above ritual gatherings. Biggie Tembo and the Bhundu Boys also took the international world by storm.
There were few African bands as popular as the Bhundu Boys on international live performances. Mhosva Marasha (popularly known as Biggie Tembo) made whites sing along Shona songs. That’s how charismatic he was. We celebrated when Prince Tendai got the first Zimbabwe nomination for Kora Awards in the late 90s. That was an achievement. And we should celebrate that Jah Prayzah brought us an MTA Award.
Obviously the book of Zimbabwean music can never be complete without mentioning the role played by Oliver Mtukudzi on the global stage. He is the most popular Zimbabwean musician of all time. In many countries, when people talk of Zimbabwean music, they always think of Tuku.
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It is not easy for anyone to walk into this big league. In fact, most of those who are in this league were there in the 1970s and 80s. Jah Prayzah finds himself in this league despite that he came into the industry only yesterday compared to most musical greats of yesteryear.
He has introduced an approach never seen in Zimbabwe, breaking barriers by making collaborations with big artistes whom we never thought anyone born in Uzumba would serenade with. We most probably thought that style would be associated by Audius Mtawarira, a classy and polished musician or the late great Prince Tendai Mpfurutsa, the “king of swag”.
The recent attack on Jah Prayzah was strange. It is rare for a popular musician of his stature to be attacked in that manner. In many cases, people will be trying to hold the musician’s hand, get pictures with him and his signature. But on this occasion, people raised weapons. Judging by the pandemonium, Jah Prayzah could possibly have been badly injured or he could have lost his life had he not taken to his heels. At one point, there were cries as to why he needed security. We now have the answer.
Whatever the reasons for the attack, it cannot be justifiable. One was heard saying the lanky musician was responsible for Crispen Nyamba’s death but that is frivolous. When people are aggrieved, there are channels of engaging in discourse. People should not be angry that Jah Prayzah may not have contributed anything or something meaningful during the funeral, if this is at all true.
He has a right to decide what he wants to do with his time and hard-earned money. People should not bank on others for funeral expenses, especially if they are not related. They should get funeral cover for such eventualities. When Philani Dube passed on in 2007, while some people felt Tuku did not do enough to afford his former guitarist a decent burial, they did not throw stones at him. That same level of respect should be accorded to Jah Prayzah.
It is shocking that some people actually took to social media to celebrate the barbaric attack instead of celebrating what the musician has done for Zimbabwe. We want Jah Prayzah to remain successful while staying in Zimbabwe and not relocate to some other country he might consider friendlier. That way, all the benefits of his success are likely to accrue to the country. This can only happen when we give respect to our celebrities.
I wish Jah Prayzah all the success and he should continue raising our flag higher despite any odds.
Daniel Ngwira is a music composer, guitarist, producer and spokesperson of the Zimbabwe Musicians Union. He can be contacted on +26773113161 or [email protected]
