Vhembe reggae legend Azwihangwisi Kenny Murabi — better known as Kenny Wailer Murabi — is challenging the perception that Rastas are disconnected from God. This November, he has released a biblical hymn EP titled Hymns We Sang Together, a tribute to his late brothers, Joas and David Murabi. Joas was a founding member of the Venda Northern Trumpets, while David was a skilled guitarist.
"Music runs in our family," Murabi told Limpopo Mirror. "I wanted to honour my late brothers with something that lasts forever, so I recorded these hymns we used to sing together."
While the hymns retain their original lyrics and melodies, Murabi added a reggae feel to reflect his Rasta roots. "Reggae gives life to any beat. These hymns would be incomplete without it. People cannot separate me from reggae music, and that element had to be part of the EP."
Tracks like Khotsi Anga, Thamathama, Vhonani Murena Yesu, and Dzula na Nne are already gaining airplay on national and regional radio. Murabi is working on six additional hymns to complete a full album, expected within three months. The EP was recorded, arranged, and mastered by Ananias Bengwa at Rise Up Recording Studios and is available on all digital music platforms.
A teacher by profession, Murabi has been in the music industry for over two decades, recording more than 10 albums and collaborating with artists such as Colbert Mukwevho, Shufflers Ragimana, and Ras Canly. He is also writing a book about his life.