By Ronnie Chisamba
South Africa-based multi-genre artiste Mr. P (39) – real name Precious Hanya – officially released his first jiti single yesterday on social media platforms in line with the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines meant to curb the spread of Covid-19. Titled Swederera, the track is one of the six songs on his forthcoming album – Nyaya Dzerudo.
A jiti love song, Swederera was produced in Johannesburg, South Africa, by a Zimbabwean music producer lsaac Sande (aka lyke D).
Meant to cement matrimonial relationships and to enhance the continued bloom of love among couples, the traditional jiti song has modern instruments which were employed to bring jazz feel to it.
“Swederera is a jiti dance track.We fused in some brass here and there to give it a jazz feel,” confirmed Mr. P.
The successful release of the track is a result of efforts by Mr. P and a number of renowned and seasoned musicians including Basil Makombe (on mbira) – formerly a member of the Chimurenga music guru Thomas Mapfumo’s band, Gonyeti (on backing vocals) – formerly a member of Jah Prayzah’s Military Touch ensemble and Obert Gomba (on drums) – formerly with Aleck Macheso’s band.
A product of the popular Zengeza 1 High School Choir (a celebrated choir that achieved prominence and fame under the leadership of Emmanuel Mujuru – aka Dibukandinga), Mr. P launched his solo music career with the release of a 6-track Afro-jazz album, The Beginning, in 2013.
To date, he has 2 albums to his name: The Beginning and The Return (released in 2020).
In September last year, Mr. P made history when he released the first animated music video in Zimbabwe, for his song Cellphone.