Jah Prayzah Biography: Real Name, Age, Music Career, Political Connections, Family
Real Name and Nickname
Jah Prayzah, a renowned musician from Zimbabwe, leads the band Third Generation. His fans affectionately call him “Musoja,” which translates to “soldier” in Shona. This nickname is a nod to his penchant for wearing military attire during performances. Interestingly, his stage name “Jah Prayzah” is derived from his birth name, “Mukudzeyi,” meaning “Praise Him.”
Age and Birthplace
Born on July 4th, 1987, in Uzumba Maramba Pfungwe, Jah Prayzah is 35 years old and will celebrate his 36th birthday later this year.
Early Life and Education
Jah Prayzah, born Mukudzeyi Mukombe, spent his formative years in Uzumba, Murehwa, a quaint town situated 95 km away from Zimbabwe’s capital. Growing up as the youngest of five siblings, he immersed himself in reading his father’s Shona novels, swimming in local rivers, and exploring the surrounding forests. His early passion for music emerged as he sang at school assemblies, in church, and learned to play the mbira with guidance from his teacher, Mupa Musimbe. As he honed his mbira skills, Mukombe’s interest in music deepened, drawing the attention of those around him who recognized his natural talent.
Mukombe attended Musamhi Primary School and later Musamhi High School in Mutoko, Mashonaland East Province. Eventually, he moved to Harare, where he resided with his uncle and completed his ordinary and advanced levels of education.
Music Career
Jah Prayzah’s musical journey commenced during his high school years. Initially, he recorded dancehall and reggae tracks with friends, achieving popularity within his suburb but not yet on a national scale. His career took a turn when he collaborated with local producers to record contemporary and afro-jazz tracks, releasing singles such as “Sorry Mama” and “Seiko.”
In 2007, he released his debut album, “Sungano,” followed by “Rudo neRunyararo” and “Ngwarira Kuparara.” The latter proved highly successful, featuring hit tracks like “Maria” and “Dande.” In 2013, Jah Prayzah won a NAMA award for Song of the Year with his single “Gotchi Gotchi” from the album “Tsviriyo.” The following year, “Kumbumura Mhute” garnered him five NAMA awards and two ZIMA awards.
2015 saw the opening of his own studio and the release of his sixth album, “Jerusarema.” He also collaborated with Tanzanian artist Diamond Platnumz on the hit song “Watora Mari,” amassing millions of views on YouTube and extensive airplay on music channels.
In 2018, Mukombe released his eighth album, “Chitubu,” featuring collaborations with African artists like Patoranking and Sauti Sol. His excellence in music earned him a nomination for Best Male Artist in Southern Africa at the 2019 All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMAs).
Continuing his musical journey, Jah Prayzah released “Hokoyo” in 2020 and “Gwara” in 2021, solidifying his presence in the international music scene with collaborations with artists such as Makhadzi and Mr. Brown.
Discography
- 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)
Political Connections
Jah Prayzah has been closely linked to Zimbabwe’s ruling party. In 2018, he released a song titled “Kutonga Kwaro,” which became a national anthem during a significant political event, the coup. This song was frequently played at rallies, leading some to speculate that he had a spiritual connection.
Family and Personal Life
Jah Prayzah is happily married to Rufaro Chiworeso, the person he sang about in his song “Rufaro.” The couple has been blessed with four children: one son and three daughters. Additionally, Jah Prayzah has a son from a previous marriage. In 2012, he made headlines by presenting his mother with a generous US$7,000 gift on her birthday, a gesture that touched her heart deeply.
