Zimbabwe’s own reggae icon, Man Soul Jah, (MS) whose real name is Tawanda Joseph Nhara is still standing in the game saying he still has a lot more to offer.
The 56-year-old Gweru based artiste, who has produced 11 albums and is currently working on the 12th, believes the militant vibe of reggae has a chance to conquer the hearts of many in Zimbabwe.
Our reporter, Elias Maginya (EM), caught up with Nhara to discuss his 31 years of music journey.
Below are excerpts of the interview:
EM: When did you start doing Music?
MS: You see! Rasta has no demarcation on where and when to start music. Rasta is always in music; it is just the opportunity that comes that one gets to express himself.
EM: Ok, when did the opportunity present itself?
MS: The opportunity came in 1984 with Mystic Power. Mystic Power is the source of all Rasta aspiration in Gweru and Midlands. We started as Kubatana Cultural Club then built from scratch the Mystic Power Sound System. The late Mdara Muyambiri, also known as Elder Joe, and I were the founders. We played dub versions, but that was not enough. The ambition got better over us and formed the band, Mystic Power Band.
EM: What then followed after Mystic Power Band?
MS: In 1989 I left it and formed People Against Cruelty Existence (PACE). This led to the creation of Man Souljah and PACE. I write the lyrics then we formulate the music together as a group.
EM: As Man Soul Jah and PACE, how many albums do you have?
MS: We have produced eleven albums and are now working on the twelfth.
EM: Eleven is indeed a good number, but of all those albums how come ‘Mr Government man’ is the only well-known song nation-wide?
MS: Well, I always say let the music play. DJs are not doing their part. We want DJs that are impartial, who do not come with agendas. We do not want DJs who come with personality likes and dislikes. We want DJs who listen to the music. Please have the decency to sit down and listen to every single track. By doing so, you get to know the artist as an artist only not otherwise.
EM: What is your plan now that society has failed to appreciate ‘your’ Reggae taste for the past 31 years to your expectations?
MS: ‘Alluta continua’, reggae music plays. Yes, it is sad that people who do not come from the Midlands Province only know ‘Mr Government Man’ despite having eleven albums. (He laughs for a moment). Yes, the radio stations in the Midlands have been fair enough with coverage.
Though I feel they can push us more. I will not change genre nor will I stop! I play reggae with no apology. Reggae is the reality and experience of our own times. I choose to play reggae because it is the music that appeals to our creativity.
I find myself doing the best in reggae. Reggae has roots in Africa and you cannot separate it from Zimbabwe. Reggae is my thing. This is a beautiful lifestyle.
EM: Any following or recognition from beyond the borders?
MS: Oh yes, Man Souljah music is being played in Poland. Playing in Poland made way for that pollination with Germany, Australia and more from Europe where reggae is active. Also from an invitation, on February 28,2021, Man Soul Jah and PACE were playing in Trenchtown, Kingston in Jamaica. We sent a virtual performance and it was streamed live to the rest of the world.
EM: What is your best experience in the industry so far?
MS: In 1980, I had a one-on-one chat with Bob Marley when he came to perform in Zimbabwe. The Rasta vibration that I picked up there was real. The relevance just started to grow.
EM: So, what are your final words?
MS: Reggae is a mission that is why it cannot be a competition. Reggae carries a purpose. Let the music play. My Zimbabwean reggae family and beyond, Man Soul Jah is here, the lion roars from Zion. Keep listening to Man Soul Jah music, One Love! Haile Selassie!
