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Jah Prayzah

Jah Prayzah
Birth nameMukudzeyi Sean Mukombe
Also known asMasoja, JP, Wagwizi
Born (1987-07-04) July 4, 1987 (age 38)
Uzumba-Maramba-Pfungwe, Zimbabwe
OriginHarare, Zimbabwe
Genres
Occupations
  • Musician
  • Philanthropist
  • Author
  • Comedian
  • Brand ambassador
  • Artist manager
Instruments
Years active2005–present
LabelsJP Studios
Websitewww.jahprayzah.com

Mukudzeyi Sean Mukombe (born 4 July 1987), known professionally as Jah Prayzah, is a Zimbabwean contemporary musician and the lead member of the band Third Generation. He is renowned for blending traditional Zimbabwean music with Afrobeats, reggae, and contemporary sounds. Fans affectionately refer to him as "Masoja" (Shona for "soldier") due to his military-style stage outfits. His name "Jah Prayzah" derives from his given name, "Mukudzeyi," which means "Praise Him" in Shona.

Early life and education

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Jah Prayzah was born and raised in Uzumba-Maramba-Pfungwe, a rural district in Mashonaland East Province, Zimbabwe. He is the youngest of five children. He developed a strong love for music from a young age, influenced by traditional instruments like the mbira. He attended Musamhi Primary and High School before relocating to Harare to complete his O and A-levels.[1]

Music career

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Jah Prayzah began recording in the early 2000s. His debut album Sungano Yerudo was released in 2007, followed by Rudo Nerunyararo and Ngwarira Kuparara, which included the hit “Dande” featuring Chiwoniso Maraire. His major breakthrough came in 2013 with the album Tsviriyo, which won the NAMA Song of the Year award for "Gochi Gochi".[1]

His musical style blends Afrobeats, reggae, and traditional mbira-based melodies. His collaborations include Tanzanian superstar Diamond Platnumz on “Watora Mari”, which achieved significant regional success.[2]

In 2023, he launched two albums simultaneously: Chiremerera and Maita Baba, with record-setting concerts in Harare and Bulawayo.[3]

His most recent album, Ndini Mukudzeyi, was released on 3 May 2025 and launched at Old Hararians Sports Club.[4]

Tours

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Jah Prayzah has performed internationally in the UK, Australia, the US, South Africa, Canada, and China.[5][6][7] In 2025, he cancelled his US shows due to delays in visa processing but fulfilled Canadian shows in Edmonton and Toronto.[8]

Relationship with Wicknell Chivayo

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Jah Prayzah is publicly associated with Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo. Their friendship has included lavish gifts from Chivayo, valued close to US$1 million.[9]

In May 2025, Chivayo gifted Jah Prayzah a 2025 Range Rover Autobiography and US$150,000.[10]

On his birthday (4 July 2025), Chivayo gifted Jah Prayzah's wife, Rufaro, a 2025 Land Rover Defender.[11]

In total, 10 senior band members received Toyota Aqua vehicles, and the band manager was gifted a Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Chivayo pledged to gift the remaining 16 support staff their vehicles by August 2025.[12]

Personal life

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Jah Prayzah is married to Rufaro Chiworeso, whom he met through his brother Nigel. They have four children together: a son named Mukudzeyi Jr. and daughters Keanna, Kayla, and Kelly.[13]

He also has a son from a previous relationship. In April 2025, he featured his daughter Kayla in the music video for his single “Kuno”.[14]

His father, John Mukombe, passed away in January 2024.[15]

Awards

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  • MTV Africa Music Awards – Listener's Choice (2016)
  • NAMA – Song of the Year ("Gochi Gochi", 2013)
  • NAMA – Outstanding Male Artist, Album, and People's Choice (2014, 2016, 2018, 2024)
  • ZIMA – Album of the Year (2016)
  • Zimbabwe Peace Ambassador (2013)
  • AEAUSA – Best Male Artist in East, South, and North Africa (2023)
  • AEAUSA – Album of the Year (2024)

Discography

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  • Ndini Mukudzeyi (2025)
  • 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)
  • Rudo Nerunyararo (2007)
  • Sungano Yerudo (2007)

References

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  1. ^ a b "Jah Prayzah Biography". Pindula. Retrieved 2025-07-07.
  2. ^ "Jah Prayzah: My Music Is Not A Tuck-Shop Business". Forbes Africa. 2018-01-22. Retrieved 2025-07-07.
  3. ^ "Jah Prayzah to launch not one, but two albums". The Chronicle. 2023-04-20. Retrieved 2025-07-07.
  4. ^ "Jah Prayzah's 'Ndini Mukudzeyi' Album Launch Highlights". AfroGazette. 2025-05-04. Retrieved 2025-07-07.
  5. ^ Dube, Sindiso (2 March 2025). "Jah Prayzah unveils Ndini Mukudzeyi world tour". The Standard (Zimbabwe). Retrieved 7 August 2025.
  6. ^ Masaka, Albert (22 May 2025). "Jah Prayzah world tour charms US fans". The Southern Eye. Retrieved 7 August 2025.
  7. ^ "Jah Prayzah to take Zimbabwean music to China". Music In Africa. 1 September 2015. Retrieved 7 August 2025.
  8. ^ Matambanadzo, Chris (2025-06-27). "Jah Prayzah Cancels US Shows Due to Visa Issues". iHarare News. iHarare. Retrieved 2025-07-07.
  9. ^ "Chivayo's Lavish Gifts to Jah Prayzah Near US$1 Million". The Zimbabwe Mail. 2025-07-06. Retrieved 2025-07-07.
  10. ^ "Wicknell Chivayo Gifts Jah Prayzah $150K and Range Rover". AfroGazette. 2025-05-05. Retrieved 2025-07-07.
  11. ^ Muzira, Lovemore (2025-07-04). "Chivayo Surprises Jah Prayzah's Wife With Land Rover Defender". Pindula News. Pindula. Retrieved 2025-07-07.
  12. ^ Patie (2025-05-15). "Wicknell Chivayo Gifts Jah Prayzah's 3rd Generation Band Members Cars". iHarare News. iHarare. Retrieved 2025-07-07.
  13. ^ "Jah Prayzah Reveals How He Met His Wife". iHarare. 2022-02-17. Retrieved 2025-07-07.
  14. ^ "Daddy's Girl Shines: Kayla Makes Music Debut". The Herald. 2025-04-22. Retrieved 2025-07-07.
  15. ^ "Jah Prayzah Mourns the Loss of His Father". Zimbabwe Advocate. 2024-01-15. Retrieved 2025-07-07.
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