So last week the papers were awash with the news of Jah Prayzah having fired his manager of nine years, Filda Muchabaiwa, for working with the award-winning artist’s “copycat,” Andy Muridzo.

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However, there was a lot of debate on several fora on whether the young Muridzo is a copycat or not.  We decided to take the bull by the horns and have a one-on-one interview with Muridzo, and this is what we ascertained:

Who is Andy?

Andrew Muridzo is a village boy who is ready to make waves in the music industry. I was born in Bulawayo, then moved to Murehwa where I grew up. I am 22 years old and I stay with my wife in Budiriro. 

How did you start?

I started just after I was born (laughs). I love music and ever since I was a child, I listened to a lot of music. I started singing when I was in Form two and I was the church choir leader. I started writing music after Jah Prayzah took me under his wing in 2013. 

We used to sing at church together, before he was as popular as he is now. He is the one who inspired me to start writing music and follow in his tracks. At first I wanted to sing dancehall music, but Jah advised me against it.

How many albums and singles have you released?

I have eight singles I released previously, and I released an eight track album titled ‘Pakubuda Kwezuva’ on March 25, 2015. We are currently shooting the videos for six songs on that album. It is all inspired by Jah. I also play mbira as he does.

How many members does your band have?

Ten band members who are being paid, including me. I have my own instruments but I don’t have a P.A. system yet. 

What is your relationship with Jah Prayzah?

(Smiling), I know him from way back in Murehwa; his mother and my grandmother are friends so that’s how I know him. (laughs again) I grew up knowing him as my elder brother.

You have been labeled “Jah Prayzah’s copycat.” What do you have to say about that?

My understanding of a copycat is someone who copies what someone is doing and does it themselves. I am not a copycat, but I am someone who is inspired by Jah Prayzah. I just sing a genre that Jah has mastered, and I follow in his tracks.

So why do you do music similar to Jah Prayzah’s?

As I have said before, when I started music I wanted to sing dancehall. But as a seasoned musician, Jah advised me to try his type of music because he did not have anyone who he was mentoring. So that is how I started singing his type of music – I am essentially Jah Prayzah’s student.

It is rumoured that Jah has left you. Are you able to stand on your own without him?

I can’t say he has left me as you say, but rather there has been a lot politics in his camp. So I have excused myself from him a little while. His internal politics affected me because I cannot stand on my own yet without Jah. But that does not mean I won’t survive without him.

Do you believe you are better than Jah Prayzah?

There is Shona proverb that says “mukuru mukuru hanga haigare pfunde.” If I were to ever become a big artist, even bigger than him, he will always be my elder. Even if music lovers think I may be better than Jah, in my own view I will always be his junior. I guess I have answered you.

What aspects of your music do you wish to improve for you to be even better than you are right now?

I believe my music is good. What I may want to improve is the content of my music. What I communicate in this album is not what I would want to sing about again in my next album. I am satisfied with what I do for now.

What do you want music fans to call you other than a “copycat”?

I would want my fans to recognise me as an advisor. My music carries social commentary.

I cannot say I stand for something specific in my music, for example Aleck Macheso is well known for his outstanding guitar skills. It is only later that I will be recognised for something distinctive.