Macheso, Mjintu bury the hatchet?

Alick Macheso

Former Orchestra Mberikwazvo rhythm guitarist Innocent Mjintu, who left Alick Macheso's band after being fired for secretly recording an album, is expected to return into the Extrabasso's orbit albeit as a supporting act. The talented guitarist has been spotted on a number of occasions playing at Macheso's live shows. Mjintu, who now has five albums to his name, has since expressed his interest to work with the sungura icon, who is still smarting from the departure of three of his key band members - Franco Slomo, Noel Nyazanda and vocalist Elton Muropa - who have since joined Sulumani Chimbetu.

However, Mjintu has to wait a little longer to know his fate because Macheso is working with Tryson Chimbetu as his supporting act. In an interview, Mjintu said he was talking to Macheso over the issue. "It is not yet included, we are still discussing the issue. I can't say when the issue will be concluded. "It will be good if I become a supporting act for Macheso and I hope all goes well," he said. On why he had been playing the rhythm for Macheso lately Mjintu, said he was just helping out. "Yes, last year I played for him on a few shows but that doesn't mean I have returned to Mberikwazvo," he said.

With Mjintu on the wires during his tenure at Mberikwazvo, the rhythm guitar was piercing and outstanding, affording the much-needed cohesion with other guitarists, something that is currently lacking. The situation has been worsened by Lucky Mumiriki's absence. Mjintu started his career with Barura Express under the tutelage of the late Leonard Dembo before he left to join Macheso. Realising that he needed to be his own man, he left the sungura icon and formed his own band. (Herald)