Jeys Marabini Wows Fans with Umjolo Album Launch in Bulawayo

Veteran Marabi and Afro-Jazz icon Jeys Marabini delivered a masterful performance during the launch of his latest album, Umjolo, in Bulawayo this past weekend. The event marked not only the album release but also the start of a national and regional tour that will take Marabini to Harare, Gwanda, Beitbridge, Kadoma, and Mutare, before performing at Southern African music festivals.

“I released this album in July, and it has been enjoying massive airplay locally and beyond. It shows people appreciate my craft, and I’m humbled,” Marabini said. “I had to stage a live show at Palace Hotel to perform the entire new album. The audience showered me with immense love in return. I’m now preparing for a national and regional tour.”

The 10-track Umjolo album blends meaningful lyrics with rich instrumentation, appealing to audiences of all ages. Tracks performed at the launch included Ngezama Lobolo, Themba Lami Likuwe, Yini Lo Mona, Mazwane, Thul’ Ulalele, Nomakanjan, Inkemenkeme, Ulal’ Ephenduka, We Mnano Muntu, and the fan-favourite title track Umjolo, which the crowd requested four times. Marabini also performed classics like Ezinangeni, Yamitha Kanjani, Ndwandwe, Xola, Ntombi Nto, and Umuzi Ka Baba.

The show featured additional performances by the Tshibilika duo Amathonga Amahle, along with DJs Keitho, Ayaxx, and Flex, keeping the crowd entertained before and after Marabini’s set.

Umjolo was recorded across four studios—Loud Records, Just Percy Studios, Elephant Head Studios, and P3 Studios—and involved a team of talented young musicians. Contributors included drummer Erastus Nleya, producers Just Percy and Obey Mudiwa, bassist Master H, lead guitarist Thomas Madurure, keyboardist Oktopas, trumpeter Simba, saxophonist Benjamin, percussionist Bonginkosi, and backing vocalists Brian Awa, Khulekani, and Tiae.

“This album reflects my music journey, emotions, and cultural roots. Each track takes listeners through life’s highs and lows, touching on love, loyalty, hope, disappointment, and faith,” Marabini said. The title track, Umjolo, serves as a caution to those entering love, urging careful commitment and awareness.

The album launch confirmed why Marabini remains one of Zimbabwe’s most respected live performers, combining experience, stagecraft, and musical depth to deliver a show that resonated with fans of all generations.