Jah Prayzah facts for kids

Mukudzeyi Mukombe, born on July 4, 1987, is a famous musician from Zimbabwe. Most people know him as Jah Prayzah. He leads a band called Third Generation. Many fans and media call him "Masoja," which means "soldier" in the Shona language. He got this nickname because his band often wears military-style uniforms. His stage name, Jah Prayzah, comes from his first name, Mukudzeyi, which means "Praise Him." He is known as one of the most successful musicians of his time in Zimbabwe.

Early Life and School

Mukudzeyi Mukombe grew up in Uzumba, Murehwa, a small town in Zimbabwe. This town is about 95 kilometers from Harare, the capital city. He was the youngest of five children in his family.

As a young boy, Jah Prayzah loved to write and read. He enjoyed reading the Shona novels his father had. He also liked swimming in the river with his friends and hunting in the forests. He often came home with torn shorts from all his adventures.

Most importantly, he loved to sing. He practiced singing at school and in church. He also learned to play the mbira, a traditional African instrument, with his teacher Mupa Musimbe. As he got older and better at playing the mbira, he felt ready to follow his dream of making music. People noticed his natural talent for music and language. They encouraged him to take his musical interests seriously.

Mukombe went to Musamhi Primary School and then Musamhi High School in Mutoko. Later, he moved to Harare to live with his uncle. There, he finished his high school education.

Music Career Highlights

Jah Prayzah started writing music when he was in high school. He first recorded dancehall and reggae songs with his friends. Some of these songs became popular in his neighborhood, but they did not become national hits. Later, he recorded contemporary music and Afro-jazz songs with producers like DJ Thando. He released singles such as "Sorry Mama" and "Seiko."

He officially began his music career in 2005. In 2007, he released his first album, Sungano. He then released two more albums: Rudo neRunyararo and Ngwarira Kuparara. The album Ngwarira Kuparara was very successful. It included popular songs like "Maria" and "Dande," which featured the artist Chiwoniso Maraire. Because of its success, he got a contract to perform every Wednesday at Jazz 105, a pub in Harare.

In 2013, he released his fourth album, Tsviriyo. He won a NAMA award for "Song of the Year" for his song "Gotchi Gotchi." The next year, 2014, he released Kumbumura Mhute. In the same year, he won five NAMA awards and two ZIMA awards.

In 2015, Jah Prayzah opened his own music studio. He also released his sixth album, Jerusarema.

One of his most famous works is a song called "Watora Mari." He made this song with the award-winning Tanzanian artist Diamond Platnumz. "Watora Mari" got over a million views on YouTube in less than a month. It was also played a lot on MTV Base and Trace Africa.

On November 2, 2018, Mukombe launched his eighth album, Chitubu. This album features songs with other well-known African artists like Patoranking and Sauti Sol. In 2019, Mukombe was nominated for "Best Male Artist in Southern Africa" at the AFRIMAs.

In April 2023, it was announced that Jah Prayzah would release two albums at once. These albums were launched with huge concerts in Harare and Bulawayo on May 12 and 13.

Albums Released

Jah Prayzah has released many albums throughout his career:

• Chiremerera (2023)
• Maita Baba (2023)
• Gwara (2021)
• Hokoyo (2020)
• Chitubu (2018)
• Kutonga Kwaro (2017)
• Mdhara Vachauya (2016)
• Jerusarema (2015)
• Kumbumura Mhute (2014)
• Tsviriyo (2013)
• Ngwarira Kuparara (2012)
• Sungano Yerudo (2010)
• Rudo Nerunyararo (2007)

Awards and Recognitions

Jah Prayzah has won many awards for his music:

• MTV African Music Award 2016 – Listener's Choice Award
• NAMA 2013 Award for Song of the Year, "Gochi Gochi"
• 2013 Zimbabwe Peace Ambassador Award
• 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
• Zim Dream Online Award – 2014
• NAMA 2016 Awards – Album of the Year
• NAMA 2016 Awards – Outstanding Male Artist
• ZIMA 2016 Awards – Artist of the Year
• ZIMA 2016 Awards – Traditional Song of the Year "Jerusarema"
• ZIMA 2016 Awards – Album of the Year, Jerusarema
• ZIMA 2016 Awards – Collaboration of the Year, "Kure Kure" ft. Ammara Brown
• Zimbabwe Achievers Awards – Best International Music Artist
• Zimbabwe Business Awards 2017 – Entertainment Entrepreneur of the Year
• National Arts Merit Awards (NAMA) 2018 – Artist of the Year
• African Entertainment Awards, USA (AEAUSA) 2020 – Entertainer of the Year category nomination
• 2024 NAMA Best Album of the Year

Personal Life

Jah Prayzah is married to Rufaro Chiworeso. He even sang about her in his song Rufaro. They have a son and three daughters together. He also has another son from a previous relationship. In 2012, Mukombe shared that his mother's blessing helped him succeed. This happened after he gave her a US$7,000 gift at a birthday party in 2012.

International Tours

Jah Prayzah has performed many shows around the world. He has toured in countries like Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, China, and South Africa.