Buhlebenkosi Nkomo
BULAWAYO — As he prepares to release his 10th studio album, legendary Zimbabwean artist Jeys Marabini—real name Majahawodwa Ndlovu—is beaming with excitement. The album, fittingly made up of 10 tracks, officially launches today.
But Umjolo is more than a number. It’s a creative and spiritual milestone, carrying the emotional weight of decades spent in the music industry. “Relationships today have their ups and downs,” Jeys reflects. “As musicians, we have a responsibility to remind people about love, peace, and family. That’s the foundation of any society.”
Far from a generic love album, Umjolo explores the real tensions of modern relationships. It’s rooted in the experiences of everyday people, offering comfort and resonance through song. “Music feeds the soul,” Jeys says. “It heals, it comforts, and it brings us together.”
Creatively, this album breaks new ground. For the first time in his career, Jeys Marabini blends live brass and percussion into his signature sound. The result is a fresh, soulful texture that pays homage to tradition while pushing toward innovation. Each track was recorded live, the product of nine months of building, refining, and storytelling.
Breaking from tradition, Umjolo will first reach audiences via radio, YouTube, and Spotify—well before any live concert debut. It’s a strategic move to connect directly with listeners where they are.
More than just a musical release, Umjolo is an offering of Ubuntu: a reminder of shared humanity, heartfelt connection, and the power of culture to hold communities together.
