Published by the government of Zimbabwe
Trust Khosa
20 February 2008
Harare — Australia-bound Alick Macheso has promised to market Zimbabwe and sungura music at large when he embarks on his maiden tour of the sub- continent.
The sungura king said he was not leaving Harare for a holiday but to show the world what Zimbabwe has in as far as "first grade sungura goes". "It's an honour for us being a first sungura outfit in this particular genre to be invited to that corner of the world for some shows.
"I had never expected this honour and I can assure our fans that we are going to deliver," he said.
Macheso also pledged to play an ambassadorial role when he jets into Australia by telling the true story of Zimbabwe.
"Another challenge I wish to take is that of educating my Diasporan fans that Zimbabwe is a safe haven for fans who might want to come for our shows," he said.
Over the weekend, Macheso bad farewell to his fans with a breathtaking performance at Pamuzinda Highway X-scape.
He showcased his artistry at the gig where his star-studded Orchestra Mberikwazvo complemented him from start to finish.
Although the artiste appeared on stage towards midnight, it was clear the sungura ace had come prepared for the outing.
What was most striking about Macheso's act was his choice of songs.
He opened his act with the Chikopoko much to the delight of the crowd.
Macheso then took revellers down memory lane when he belted out such tracks as Petunia, Baba Namai (Chikwambo), Charakupa and Shedia before he switched on to the song of the moment Chengetai.
This song in particular has of late been the crowd's favourite during live shows although Madhuwe remains an infections hit.
Jonas Kasamba, the sungura king's most trusted lieutenant, spiced up Macheso's act with his theatrics that has made him a crowd's favourite.
It can be argued that without Kasamba, Orchestra Mberikwazvo would not click as he makes the simple appear sophisticated.
He finished his slot in the wee hours of Saturday and fans left the venue when Macheso was out.
As usual, some fans especially women, could be seen throwing cash on the stage as they wished Macheso a safe journey.
Not to be outdone was reggae/ragga outfit Assegai Crew who thrilled fans with their own compositions and copyrights.
Assegai Crew, who had not been active for years, proved their mettle at the occasion despite being slotted in as the opening and closing acts.
The song that really aroused the crowd was Kanyama Karipi that made waves in the 1990s before they played copyrights together with their own compositions.
Some of the songs they played at the occasion include the late John "Mr Chitungwiza" Chibadura's track Mudiwa Janet and Sarura Wako by Leonard Dembo.
It was encouraging to note that the band could fuse reggae with other elements as is the case in Sarura Wako.
Almost forgotten New Black Montana also featured at the occasion but their act was uninspiring to be precise.
Despite being accorded the right platform to resuscitate their waning fortunes by sharing the stage with Macheso, the band was disjointed.
What also killed their act was their failure to provide dancers to spice up their act, which remained subdued from start to finish.
Pamuzinda Highway X-Scape director Victor "Godfather" Chiraga was ecstatic to be hosting Macheso at this venue before his international assignments.
"My only message to him is that he should go there and show them what he is really made off.
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