Album Review : Jah Prayzah - Jerusarema
Jah Prayzah has released another album, whilst we still not yet done enjoying Kumbumura Mhute. This young Man wants to keep us dancing without ceasing. Kumbumura Mhute was well received and is still in much demand on radio and parties all over the country. The major question is that: Is the New album better or worse compared to last years Kumbumura Mhute?!?!?!?
The launch was epic by the way. It has solidified his status as The Finest Zim Musician to emerge from the new generation of young musicians in Zim. There are a few young artists who can match up to Jah Prayzah's superstar status, artists such as Sulumani Chimbetu, Hope Masike, Winky D, Stunner, Mokoomba, Alexio Kawara and Sabastian Magacha have all defined themselves in their respective genres and have stood out for years as the best in those genres. However Jah Prayzah is currently the best, not only among the new generation of artists but even with elderly artists included.
Before l get carried away, lets dive into the track by track analysis of the album:
1) Jerusarema : This is the title track. The mbira intro sets the tone of the song. The song is smooth and relaxed. The sax element gives the song a jazzy feel and the mbira offers the traditional element, the end result is a beautiful jazz fused traditional song. The song is about a guy who is asking who wants to ask the elders permission to marry their daughter. He has gathered all the elders and he is asking them to understand and be lenient with him, for he may not be well versed with tradition and other stuff but he loves their daughter.
2) Vanorodza Miseve : From the onset of this song one can clearly hear the Tuku influenced instrumental. He made a katekwe style song here. With Tuku being his mentor and role model this isn't surprising. Great song nonetheless.
3) Zama : One feels the traditional elements the moment the song starts. The mbira sounds great. In this song Jah is encouraging one to keep trying. He has been asking out a girl for about a year now and the girl keeps playing hard to get. This is about old school dating, the days where it would take months for a girl to accept a proposal. He is praising the lady for how hard she is to win over. Love the song.
4) Tiise Maoko : The beginning of the song makes one nostalgic of the early 2000's Ndiye Jesu (by Fungisai) days. The song is about asking the Lord to look over you as you walk through this journey of life. The structure is similar to early 2000's songs with a bit of Kumbumhura Mhute flavour in it.
5) Ndoenda : Another heavily Tuku influenced track. This is one of my favourite on the album, loved the track from the first guitar intro sound. This song is about one accepting his fate when the time has come. This track makes one re-look at their life, with death so rampant these days, diseases and accidents all over. It makes one yearn to make wright where he/she has wronged This track is a masterpiece and will continue to be sung in many years to come.
6) Zenze : This song is on a reggae tip with a traditional flavour. The song talks about pride. Pride has led to the decline of many artists, on this track Jah is saying he will not be focused the status and praise given to him and he will remain as he is now. He is challenging those who pride themselves for being good, saying lets showcase our achievements and see who is bigger. Great Song (have a sweet spot for reggae)
7) Roots ft Luciano : This is another reggae track, this time he worked with iconic reggae artist Luciano (The Messenger). The song is about knowing where you come from (your roots), and never forgetting that. Superb Roots Reggae song.
8) Eliza : This song is one that will cause damage on the dance-floors. Jah always gives us a song that will be used as anthems on gatherings and outings. This is that song. The song is about a beautiful girl Eliza whom Jah is crazy about, Eliza also can dance so well that she mesmerizes all who see her. This song is structured and made to make people dance, even the lyrics composed in such a way.
9) Chinamira : Another turn up song. The song is about enjoying life and enjoying life and enjoying. The track borrowed some elements from sungura, the resulting fusion will get you on your feet and you will be sweating in no time. Its another one for outings and gatherings.
10) Daira : A love song to close the album. On this track Jah is explaining how beautiful and good looking his partner is. Also he is assuring her that he will not want anyone else. Great Love song.
After Reviewing all the tracks l can safely say that this is a superb album. Jah Prayzah is maturing and this album supports that. In his last albums his instrumentation did not change....(much), but on this album the instrumentation improved a lot. He borrowed a lot from Dr Oliver Mtukudzi on this album though, which is not a bad thing. All in all the album is a sound package and l highly recommend it to anyone.
To answer my question: is Jerusarema better that last years Kumbumura Mhute....Yes its is by a mile
Proud Zimbo Rating: A (83%)
Someone once tweeted that Jah Prayzah can become much bigger that Oliver "Samanyanga" Mtukudzi, Simon "Chopper" Chimbetu or The Lion Of Zimbabwe Dr Thomas Tafirenyika Mukanya Mapfumo!!!!!eeerrrrh uhmmmm Its a long long shot but what l can say is that he has the talent, guidance, resources, passion, opportunity to reach those great levels. He has to remain focused, disciplined, be innovative in order to reach that level. Time will tell whether Mr Mukudzei 'Jah Prayzah' Mukombe will be the best of the best or not.
What are your thoughts on the album??
3) Zama : One feels the traditional elements the moment the song starts. The mbira sounds great. In this song Jah is encouraging one to keep trying. He has been asking out a girl for about a year now and the girl keeps playing hard to get. This is about old school dating, the days where it would take months for a girl to accept a proposal. He is praising the lady for how hard she is to win over. Love the song.
4) Tiise Maoko : The beginning of the song makes one nostalgic of the early 2000's Ndiye Jesu (by Fungisai) days. The song is about asking the Lord to look over you as you walk through this journey of life. The structure is similar to early 2000's songs with a bit of Kumbumhura Mhute flavour in it.
5) Ndoenda : Another heavily Tuku influenced track. This is one of my favourite on the album, loved the track from the first guitar intro sound. This song is about one accepting his fate when the time has come. This track makes one re-look at their life, with death so rampant these days, diseases and accidents all over. It makes one yearn to make wright where he/she has wronged This track is a masterpiece and will continue to be sung in many years to come.
6) Zenze : This song is on a reggae tip with a traditional flavour. The song talks about pride. Pride has led to the decline of many artists, on this track Jah is saying he will not be focused the status and praise given to him and he will remain as he is now. He is challenging those who pride themselves for being good, saying lets showcase our achievements and see who is bigger. Great Song (have a sweet spot for reggae)
7) Roots ft Luciano : This is another reggae track, this time he worked with iconic reggae artist Luciano (The Messenger). The song is about knowing where you come from (your roots), and never forgetting that. Superb Roots Reggae song.
8) Eliza : This song is one that will cause damage on the dance-floors. Jah always gives us a song that will be used as anthems on gatherings and outings. This is that song. The song is about a beautiful girl Eliza whom Jah is crazy about, Eliza also can dance so well that she mesmerizes all who see her. This song is structured and made to make people dance, even the lyrics composed in such a way.
9) Chinamira : Another turn up song. The song is about enjoying life and enjoying life and enjoying. The track borrowed some elements from sungura, the resulting fusion will get you on your feet and you will be sweating in no time. Its another one for outings and gatherings.
10) Daira : A love song to close the album. On this track Jah is explaining how beautiful and good looking his partner is. Also he is assuring her that he will not want anyone else. Great Love song.
After Reviewing all the tracks l can safely say that this is a superb album. Jah Prayzah is maturing and this album supports that. In his last albums his instrumentation did not change....(much), but on this album the instrumentation improved a lot. He borrowed a lot from Dr Oliver Mtukudzi on this album though, which is not a bad thing. All in all the album is a sound package and l highly recommend it to anyone.
To answer my question: is Jerusarema better that last years Kumbumura Mhute....Yes its is by a mile
Proud Zimbo Rating: A (83%)
Someone once tweeted that Jah Prayzah can become much bigger that Oliver "Samanyanga" Mtukudzi, Simon "Chopper" Chimbetu or The Lion Of Zimbabwe Dr Thomas Tafirenyika Mukanya Mapfumo!!!!!eeerrrrh uhmmmm Its a long long shot but what l can say is that he has the talent, guidance, resources, passion, opportunity to reach those great levels. He has to remain focused, disciplined, be innovative in order to reach that level. Time will tell whether Mr Mukudzei 'Jah Prayzah' Mukombe will be the best of the best or not.
What are your thoughts on the album??
Proud_Zimbo
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