Teacher Man Kenny Wailer Realeases Studio Album titled Ezop
By: Lufuno Munzhelele
Reggae Legend Kenny ‘Wailer’ Murabi has released his 5th studio album and it’s already proving to be a hit with his fans. The album is unique in that all the instruments were played live, which gives it a different and lively feel. Among other session musicians who played on the album was Londo (Drums), Sipho (Bass), Bruce (Keys), Steve (Keys), Buhle (Sax), Nhlanhla (Congas), Ananius (Guitars), Tumelo (Lead guitar) and Bolepo on flute. The album’s theme is Africa and the challenges that it’s facing in today’s world.
“When I was young, I never thought I would be so radical, even to touch on politics. I have found that ‘till man love and respects one another, there will never be good life on earth.” Said ‘WailerMan’, as he is fondly known by his magnitude of fans. “Talk about oppression, poverty, diseases, wars, starvation, and unemployment, all these are manmade. I’m talking about Africa, as a citizen of Africa.”His previous albums are ‘Holy War’ (1999), ‘Tsharivhone’ (2005) Tshikhokhonono’ (2013) and ‘Ambani’ (2017). The long awaited album was recorded at Adziambei Music Academy and is being marketed by Kenny Murabi Music. The album is titled EZOP and contains tracks such as ‘Ease up’, ‘Ambush’, ‘Stability’, ‘My Mamma’, ‘My song’, ‘Please you not’ and ‘Praise Him’. ‘EZOP’ is available in all major online music stores.
Kenny Murabi, a teacher by profession was inspired by the music coming out of Jamaica by the likes of Peter Tosh, Burning Spear, Culture and other Reggae greats. “Even though we did not understand the lyrics to the songs, the power and feel of the reggae was so powerful and captivating. I was hooked to Reggae for life.” Said Mr Murabi, who hails from Mianzwi village in Venda. After seeing Dr Colbert Mukwevho performing live at Ṱhohoyanḓou around 1993, Kenny was inspired to start playing Reggae music live, and he has never looked back. His performances are energetic and fans are always left crying for more.
Kenny Murabi will embark on a tour to promote the album which will start with the official launch on 11 April 2020 in Venda, Ṱhohoyanḓou. The tour will cover areas that Kenny Murabi feels he has neglected in terms of marketing and distribution previously. “I want to go out there and spread Jah message to the masses”, said the down to earth dreadlocked singer. The dreadlocked singer expressed the wish to market and distributes this album more efficiently than his previous projects. “You can release a hit song but if the people cannot hear it, it’s all in vain.” Kenny said. Reggae music lovers can expect to see more of the rastaman this coming year (2020).
