A chat with Jean Marimba, better known as Jahrimba ‘I am much wiser than I was yesterday’ |18 August 2021
Following the life-changing experience which saw dancehall star Jean Marimba, better known as Jahrimba, having his right leg amputated, Seychelles NATION caught up with the musician for a chat about the experience, his newfound faith, and his outlook for the future.
To start off, he sought to clarify the rumours around the circumstances which led to the amputation. He recalls that he was hospitalised between May 19 and June 15, and the operation performed on June 7. He clarified that he had suffered an injury after hitting his right foot, and as a result of continuously exercising and applying pressure to it, suffered from circulation issues. While most would think that the experience would have been among the most traumatic experiences one could be faced with, Jean is happier and wiser than ever before, dwelling in the knowledge that he is a changed man.
“First and foremost we have to give thanks to Jesus Christ. The Gospel of John in verse 3:16 tells us that whoever believes in Christ shall not perish, but they shall have eternal life,” he said.
“Since I left Ragga Blastaz, I had not been in touch with the Creator and it has been a few years since I had not been practicing many of the things which I was saying. I was living a life whereby I was going from left to right. I accepted Jesus Christ after my amputation, but ever since I was in the hospital, my girlfriend was sending me a lot of Psalms, and a lot of people were praying for me as well. I was praying for myself and I accepted Christ since June 16, 2021,” he noted.
Having reconnected with his spiritual side, Jean is determined to live his life humbly, in a manner that is in line with his faith and the founding principles of Christianity. Merely a month after being discharged from hospital, the star wowed fans and well-wishers as he performed at the fundraising event held for him at the Waterfront Café on June 29, with the same fire energy that emanates from him whenever he hits the stage.
“For those who do not know me, I am right-handed and not left-handed and I amputated my right leg, so they remained surprised to see me jumping around, especially on my left leg. But I have said it and will keep saying that, I am not alone. Jesus Christ is alive in me, and that day was an opportunity to make Jesus Christ count in the eyes of the people,” Jean added.
On that very same day, he officially declared to fans that he will no longer be singing obscene or profane songs, but will instead make use of the platform he has to produce gospel music. As such, any music he releases will most likely be under the name Jean Marimba.
“I want to sing for the Creator. Whenever people think of gospel they always think of slow music. Every music beat which exists is created by the Creator, or with his permission. As long as you are singing for the Creator, you can take any beat, provided it touches who it is supposed to,” he said.
“I am much wiser than I was yesterday. And I think to sing about Christ will be easy but I don’t think I should be in a rush to prove anything. At the end of the day, I don’t need to sing for popularity, I already have that. He will instruct me when it is the right time,” he added.
The singer, who is also a qualified chef, is looking forward to what the future holds. He hopes to get a prosthetic soon, although he is not in a rush to get one. He also has his sights set on building his own house, a vision he was working towards just before the incident.
For other youths and others who are faced with a challenge or hurdle, or who go through something similar to his experience, Jean’s words are to “never give up”, but to instead turn their sights towards connecting with their spiritual side.
Laura Pillay
