Dj rabaaz introduces Mbirano sound
SOUTH AFRICA-BASED gospel musician Claud “DJ Rabaaz” Rabson is a creative genius in his own right.
The 50-year-old, who had successful stints with Noel Zembe, the late John Chibadura and Franco Hodobo in Zimbabwe prior to his move across the Limpopo, has introduced a new genre dubbed Mbirano.
A fusion of mbira and amapiano, the Chitungwiza bred entertainer’s new genre has taken South Africa by storm.
However, DJ Rabaaz’s prayer is that his kith and kin embrace the genre as is the cases in South Africa. And to ensure that he wins hearts of merry-makers ahead of the once money-spinning festive season, DJ Rabaaz has released a well-knit Mbirano EP.
It carries three tracks namely Mbirano Yauya, Awesome God featuring Carol Muzambi and Each and Every Day featuring Nashe Ayret and his Grade 3 daughter Shalom.
Speaking to H-Metro Entertainment & Lifestyle, DJ Rabaaz gave fans an insight of his new sound, which is richly grounded on Shona tradition.
“Mbirano sound is a mix of Zimbabwe’s traditional Mbira plus aMapiano sound rocking South Africa at the moment.
“The two sounds have one common instrument of hosho (hand rattles) which made it easier for me to mix the two sounds.
“The idea is to bring a new dimension to the gospel fraternity and reach a wider audience. The essence of gospel music is to share God’s word through music and if you do it with a good sound, God’s word reaches a wider audience,” said the affable wheel-spinner.
He also shared his thoughts on people who associates mbira with evil spirits.
“I understand there is always debate on whether mbira can be used on gospel music but rather for traditional beliefs, which I totally disagree because mbira is merely a clean instrument that can also be used for praise and worship purposes to the Lord.
“The word of God in Psalm 150 asks us to praise the Lord with all instruments and nowhere does it condone instruments such as mbira.
“This is a human mind. Moreover, mbira is a traditional instrument that gives an identity to Zimbabwe,” said DJ Rabaaz who is releasing his EP today.
DJ Rabaaz said the accompanying visuals will also be available today on various social media platforms.
He also spoke glowing of the team that backed him on this project.
“I would like to thank Nicolas Musonza who played the guitar, Takaona Mvure (mbira), Cure Massyv (keyboard) and my producer King Solo of the Dopiro fame as well as Takaona Bvure,” said DJ Rabaaz who took three years working on the project.
Besides this EP, DJ Rabaaz boasts of other successful compositions rocking the airwaves both locally and regionally.
One of his videos called Mwari veRudo is already a hit on ZTV.
Meanwhile, DJ Rabaaz is on cloud nine since he is about to complete his pastoral studies.
“I feel blessed to release this project just after completing my third year bible school studies with Christian Family Church international (SA),” he added.