UL JAH , GENIUS UR TIME
Year after fake death rumour
ing Soul Jah Love barren but even that below the belt blow was replied with a song - Vakupinda personari.
This is one artiste who does not need a biography because his songs chronicled his life all the way to his death.
LOVE LIFE
Soul Jah Love only ever loved one woman, Bounty Lisa. He loved her, married her, broke up with her, re-engaged her, ruthlessly battered her several times until she lost her patience with him and left him for another man. But even then, he loved her, to his dying day.
To express his love for Bounty Lisa he gave us the masterpiece, Ndozvandinomudira - the absolute dancehall love song fit for any couple in true love.
When she left him, he sang Wakandirwadzisa.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS, DISAPPOINTMENTS, NO SHOWS
With rising popularity and show promoters stampeding for his signature, Jah Love’s fortunes changed and he even built a house and drove in fancy cars.
He sang the song Kuponda Nhamo to celebrate these achievements but they did not come without some misfortunes.
Controversy continued to follow him like a shadow as he failed to show up for shows several times a year.
He was arrested in Mutare over failure to perform after being paid. In South Africa, he failed to perform again and there were calls for his head.
Every year there were a handful of promoters crying foul over his lack of professionalism.
Without money upfront, he would simply not perform, but with the money in his hands, there was never a guarantee that he would pitch.
The house he built was destroyed by the city council and he sang, Pazai in an emotional response resembling a crushed soul.
Then ZANU PF youth leader embarrassed Soul Jah Love at a rally in Mutare when he stopped him from performing claiming “Soul Jah Love hachisi chinhu” and the dancehall king responded with the song, Zvinhu.
HEALTH
For years leading to his death, the Mbarebred artiste was never in dependable health. He was hospitalised in England when his condition worsened but left controversially without paying the hospital bills.
He came close to having his leg amputated
and famously went to popular prophet Walter Magaya for healing.
His other main problem was with virility but he always believed God would grant him a child. It was not to be.
LEGEND
Aged 31, he died with no spouse or children. He died living behind all those great songs, good, bad, ugly memories, even myths that may never be authenticated. He has left a song, Kana ndafa to urge people not to believe all they hear about him after his death.
But he has died a legend, loved across generations and from the ghettos to the fluffy suburbs.
Even the corporates are mourning his deaths. Chicken Inn yesterday posted, “The golden legend with crispy hits we luv, Celebrating the life of the people’s champion, #RIP Chibaba.”
Ecobank posted, “Your voice will live on, RIP Soul Musaka.”
Delta’s Chibuku page had, “Forever Super,
zvarwadza vasara, Rest in peace, Chibaba”.
Even the legendary Oliver Mtukudzi singled him out as one of his favourite, perfectly summating the celebrated artiste in a sentence.
“Ndinofarira Soul Jah Love, mumwe anotaura zvinemusoro zvekuti dhu, kungoti pamwe zvinozovharwa nehunhu hwake,” he said in response to Star FM’s Phathisani Sibanda.
When Soul Jah Love coughed, the Zimdancehall world caught a cold. Every statement or word he uttered became a chorus on the streets. From chibaba to makuruwani to Pamamonya ipapo. From Mind your hokoso to mafundan’a to naka dhula dhaka . . . Soul Jah Love just woke up with a phrase and it would be the talk of town.
It is sad he will wake up no more, at least not in this lifetime. But his music will live forever.
The epitaph on his grave must read, “Here lies a 21st century music legend”.
MUSIC promoters and fellow artistes yesterday hailed the late Soul Jah Love as a Zim dancehall stalwart who made an impression during his lifetime.
Chibaba - as the chanter was fondly known - allegedly succumbed to diabetes on Tuesday night at Mbuya Dorcas Hospital. He was 31.
A creative genius in his own right, the Mbare-bred chanter will best remembered for his catchy songs, energy-sapping acts and of course the unique song-writing skills.
H-Metro Assistant News Editor (Entertainment) Trust Khosa compiled eulogies from fellow musicians and promoters who spoke glowingly of the departed chanter. Read on….
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Barbara “Mama Red Rose” Chikosi (music promoter/businesswoman) - Soul Jah Love was a committed chanter to work with as long as you met his demands.
I started working with him before he became a household name.
His biggest breakthrough came in 2013 at the Ghetto vs Ghetto Concert headlined by Jamaican chanter, Turbulence. Then, Jah Love along with Seh Calaz and Kinna were a trio and they went on to win the cup.
After his death, Zim dancehall will never be the same without him.
He was the king of Zim dancehall who knew how to entertain fans during big shows.
Most of his songs appeal to adults unlike most upcoming artistes who prefer vulgar and ‘dirty’ lyrics.
In short, his music appealed to people across all ages.
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Boss Spencer Madziya (music promoter/entrepreneur/events manager) - Soul Jah Love was different from other chanters owing to his talent and intelligence, which was unparalleled.
As a creative, he was a genius, often misunderstood, he never disappointed me personally.
I can safely say that in every show we worked together, he delivered flawlessly.
I also remember at Motor Action at The Annual All Black Party, he refused to be paid to perfom, which left me in shock as he simply said ‘I’m doing this for you’.
Without Jah Love, the industry has not only lost an icon of Zim dancehall, but an inspiration to upcoming artistes.
Promoters too have lost a business partner. To other chanters, they need to learn that humility and perseverance will make you a brand.
His mistakes are a lesson to others, while his personality is a story that will teach people from all walks of life. His music will forever live!
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Josh Hozheri (music promoter/businessman) - Soul Jah love was a great chanter who had a massive following.
I worked very well with him having been introduced to him by Partson “Chipaz” Chimbodza.
He really respected me very well and attended all the shows I did with him. Sauro was a rare breed.
There are talented and commercial artistes these days and Soul Jah Love was talented.
He created himself and the huge following he commanded from both the youths and the mature give testimony to who he was.
His gap will not be easily filled as the majority are just commercial artistes.
He was himself and respected those that helped him.
Soul Jah Love’s voice and its impact
will forever be missed. I’m hurting and saddened by such a huge loss of talent.
He was an inspiration to ghetto youths. Hopefully the young will learn from him. RIP Sauro.
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Partson “Chipaz” Chimbodza (music promoter/businessman) - It’s a great loss.
It’s also unbelievable that we have lost talent that can never be replaced after
the likes of Tongai Moyo. Go well Sauro my son .
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CBZ Holdings — We convey our deepest condolences to the Musaka Family on the passing on of a dancehall star Saul Musaka, aka Soul Jah Love, may they find solace in the comfort of the Lord. May your soul rest in eternal peace, Soul Jah Love.