Macheso to unveil new crew

Alick Macheso

Sungura kingpin Alick Macheso and his Orchestra Mberikwazvo will next week unveil his new guitarist, vocalist and dancers at a gig in Budiriro after a brief lull following the desertion of three key members. 

Macheso will entertain fans on January 27 at New Life Club formerly Club Lashers.

The following day, the band would move to Galactica Club in Braeside and on January 29 at Extra Mile in Harare. Key members of the “Zorai Butter” band left for Orchestra Dendera Kings fronted by Suluman Chimbetu. Those who deserted include the nimble-footed dancer Francis Dhaka, popularly known as Franco Slomo, Elton Muropa, backing vocalist and Noel Nyazanda, lead guitarist.

The weekend shows will be a test for the Zorai Butter band. Jethro Chanja, assistant manager said he was confident of the incoming crew. He said dancers First Sakala and Peter Kagomere have been working with them part time are now fully incorporated. Vocalist Wilson Meka, who sang for Daiton Somanje, is coming on board and a guitarist that has never performed with any band before, Richard Charamba is joining the family.

Chanja said, “Orchestra Mberikwazvo trained Charamba and he is very good. “We have been rehearsing for long hours and I can say we will give a good show even better than the ones we used to give. These new guys are excellent and the dancers are very good.” Top dancer Slomo moved after eight years with Macheso. They were allegations of not being fairly remunerated at Macheso’s prompting a move to the Dendera kings band.

Slomo was offered a lucrative deal by Chimbetu which included a Mercedes-Benz E Class worth $10 000.

In addition, he was set to land a senior position in the band as well as an attractive salary which he refused to divulge. Slomo has already debuted at Chimbetu’s band and it still remains to be seen the kind of dances that he would introduce for the band.

Macheso, a bass guitarist of undoubted excellence, will probably stand the test next weekend. Chanda said the maestro was practising hard with his band and everything seems to be in place for the coming shows. 

The late 90s have seen Alick Macheso emerge as one of the most popular contemporary Zimbabwean musicians. (DailyNews)