Jeys Marabini to Release New Album ‘Umjolo’
Veteran musician Jeys Marabini is charting new creative territory with his 10th studio album “Umjolo”, set for release on 31 July 2025.
The project, a bold fusion of traditional sounds and contemporary flair, marks a significant shift for the celebrated jazz artist, who admits that youthful collaborators pushed him beyond his comfort zone.
At the heart of this transformation is the album’s title track “Umjolo”, which Marabini says includes a vocal section he was initially reluctant to sing.
“I was basically harassed into it by these young guys,” Marabini said, laughing during an interview. “I kept saying, ‘This isn’t me,’ but they insisted — especially the producer, Nathaniel Chipunza, known as Oktopus. He told me, ‘If we don’t do this, we’re missing the spark.’”
Eventually swayed, Marabini delivered the line — and the song was not only kept on the album but crowned as the title track. “Now I can’t imagine the album without it,” he admitted.
The project brings together a youthful creative team led by Oktopus, who challenged Marabini to explore unfamiliar lyrical themes and introduce fresh instrumentation, including brass sections and rhythms tailored to younger audiences.
“This album is important to me, not just because it’s my 10th, but because it symbolises growth,” Marabini said. “Reaching this milestone means I needed to step up and evolve, and that meant surrounding myself with energetic, modern minds.”
Despite occasional clashes in the studio, Marabini said the result was a unique blend that spans generations — catering to fans young and old alike.
“There were moments where I’d stop recording and say, ‘I can’t sing about that!’ And Oktopus would reply, ‘This is what the youth are listening to — trust the process.’ Eventually, I surrendered and ended up enjoying it,” he said.
The 10-track album — with one song for each album Marabini has released — comes seven years after his last project. He says the delay was intentional.
“I never rush music. We are the first to listen to the songs, and if we’re not satisfied, we don’t release,” he said. “I believe the songs on Umjolo are all equally strong, each with a different message and flavour.”
In a notable departure from his past practice, Marabini will release music videos for every track on the album.
“This is a first for me. Usually, I just choose one or two songs for visuals. But this time, the team and I felt every track deserved the spotlight,” he explained. “We also want to let the fans decide which songs resonate most.”
Breaking with tradition once more, Marabini will not hold a conventional album launch. Instead, he plans to host a concert at a later date — after fans have had time to connect with the music.
“Why rush a launch before people know the songs?” he asked. “When we eventually do a show, I want people to sing along — to feel part of the journey.”
Who is Jeys Marabini?
Born in Bulawayo, Jeys Marabini is a legendary figure in Zimbabwean music, known for his soulful blend of traditional rhythms, jazz, and Afro-pop. With a career spanning over three decades, Marabini rose to prominence in the 1990s and has since released a string of critically acclaimed albums that have earned him a loyal fanbase both at home and abroad.
His music often reflects themes of love, culture, and social commentary, and he has performed on international stages, including Europe and the United States.
With “Umjolo”, Marabini enters a new chapter — one that embraces innovation while staying true to his roots.
