Shumani Malotsha, better known as Ras Irene, has just released his debut album, titled Mishumo yanga, dedicated to none other than local reggae legend Colbert Mukwevho.
Malotsha, a Rastafarian who claims that, contrary to the Rastafarian religion, he does not smoke ganja, said he started listening to Mukwevho's music when he was still very young and vowed to one day become as influential as his idol in the music fraternity.
Although Malotsha does not want to single out any of his songs, two of the 11 tracks on his album, titled Colbert Mukwevho and Irene respectively, stand out for him. "Even today, when I listen to Colbert Mukwevho's music, I feel as if I am in Jamaica. In the song Colbert Mukwevho, I was singing like him and I also used the lyrics from one of his popular songs, Ro dzula ro di geda," he said.
When he was asked why he did not smoke marijuana, he replied: "Rastafarianism is not only about smoking the international herb; it is more than that. God would have created us with chimneys if He wanted us to smoke ganja. I tried to smoke it once, but afterwards, people looked like they were moving like toys and every car on the road seemed to be following me. I ran for dear life towards the mountains. I never touched ganja again in my life after that," he said.
His album was recorded at Mudzimba Records. The owner of Mudzimba Records, Mr Tovhowani Mathoho, agreed that Malotsha is a big fan of Colbert Mukwevho. "Even when we are working in the studio, he is always imitating him," he said.
Ras Irene's music is on digital music platforms, including YouTube.