Why I remained in Uk in 2003 - Founding Macheso band Member

One of the founder members of Orchestra Mberikwazvo who deserted Alick Macheso during a tour of UK in 2003 has broken his silence over his disappearing act. Thomson Chauke said he did not vanish into thin air. He spoke with Alick and explained his reasons for staying behind. 

“When I stayed behind I actually spoke to Macheso and I still recall the conversation that I had with him in May 2003. It was by mutual agreement because I told him that I wanted to start something of my own and he could not over-ride my decision. “After all, I had helped him since 1999 having recorded a number of successful albums with him like Zvakanaka Zvakadaro and Zvido Zvenyu kunyanya which propelled him to stardom.” 

But he said life was initially tough in the UK. “At first it was not rosy for us between the year 2003 and 2006 because we were still unsettled along with other guys (Orchestra Mberikwazvo deserters) that I travelled with to the United Kingdom. We had to settle for menial jobs to make ends meet and at one point I worked at a construction site as an assistant builder and the job was strenuous.

 “I also worked as a cleaner in a supermarket and again the job was too demanding but I had to keep my head high because I was away from home where I was not supposed to be a cry-baby. In short, that was it in the UK in our first three years of struggle.” But he said things are looking up now as he is back in the music business. “Music has always been my first love and we quickly regrouped with other Zimbabwean instrumentalists resident in the United Kingdom and formed the Heritage Survival Band which is still active. 

“The band has the likes of Zivai Guvheya, formerly with Thomas Mapfumo, ex-Utakataka Express drummer Paul Kazinga, mbira player Norman Muza and bass guitarist Tsepo Makaza (both with Hohodza Hot Band) and we specialise in Afro-acoustic or is it Afro fusion. “Since most of these guys are session musicians with other commitments, we only regroup when invited for festivals. Some of the guys are based in Manchester but I have managed to set up my base in London. 

“As we speak right now, I have started a project called Limpopo Groove and I’m actually studying towards a Diploma in Music and Technology although I hold a number of shows with some white guys. To date, we have played at a number of projects including the WOMAD Festival along with my colleagues like James Smith, Jean Christophe and Rachael Chapman.” He is in Harare at present and had mixed feelings about the local scene. “ I came back at the end of August and I will be going back on Friday (September 23). Well, Zimbabwean music has great potential and I was really impressed with the likes of Andy Brown, Chiwoniso Maraire and Victor Kunonga who all have a vision. 

“These guys are doing very well. However, my heart bleeds for some of the so-called top musicians who are still strangers to professionalism and technology. I have realised that the so-called big artistes are still in the same groove especially when they embark on overseas tours. “It appears they target Zimbos only yet they can do better and appeal to other nationals resident there. These guys play at the same venues each time they fly out to England as they only target Zimbos. “Some of these artistes don’t even have e-mails or websites which are up to date and how do you expect them to grow and appeal to other nationals? In other words, our top artistes are a huge disappointment.”