Published by the government of Zimbabwe
Blessed Katiyo
11 June 2009
Johannesburg — Popular sungura musician Alick Macheso treated his long-forgotten South African fans to a dose of his music at two successful gigs in Johannesburg and Tshwane (Pretoria) at the weekend.
Hundreds of Zimbabweans warmed themselves on Friday night to the ever-popular beat at the prime Bassline jazz venue. The enigmatic musician strutted his stuff for a good six hours to an appreciative group of revellers.
Bassline is one of Johannesburg's prime upmarket venues where internationally-acclaimed artistes perform owing to its peace and tranquillity.
The sold-out show in Pretoria was held in the high-density suburb of Soshanguve on Saturday night.
Hits such as Makandidana, Shedia and Sarah had the crowd on its feet as they danced the night away.
However, his fans might have to wait a little bit longer before they can lay their hands on his new offering despite playing just snippets of new songs at the show.
"Our new album is ready but there are a few issues that we need to sort out nekweku recorder kwacho. We do not want to repeat the mistake we made when we released our last album.
"Takanyima kumusha vanhu vakapedzisira vaakutenga havo kuMupedzanhamo. Chokwadi ukashaya sutu muchitoro unonotsvaga muvakomana. (We did not release the album on time in Zimbabwe and many fans ended up buying pirated copies)," said the affable Macheso.
Sources say the musician is embroiled in a bitter contractual battle to shake off a South African company who helped him release his last album Ndezvashe-eh which did not realise its full potential well in terms of sales.
"We want to thank the promoters of this show. This has been the best venue that we have played at in this country. It's spacious and all the fans are happy which is a good thing," said the award-winning artiste.
Braai Corner Entertainment, a new company run by the youthful Chiedza Felistas Chizororo and Itai Saungweme were behind the two well-organised shows.
Show tickets were pre-sold and their marketing techniques of using SMS and Facebook updates seem to have done the trick.
Macheso took time to remind his foreign legion of fans of the real situation on the ground back home, urging those who want to return to do so.
"We are very happy back home and we are glad things are falling into place. Goods are back on the shelves and we are looking forward to better times," said the musician.
He also indicated he would want to be an African music ambassador during the upcoming 2010 World Cup soccer festival.
"I think as artists we will have a big role to play during this soccer extravaganza. It is our time to show that in Africa we have everything and our music is as good as any from anywhere in the world," quipped Macheso.
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Thanks for your response.