Macheso talks about New Album coming out in August

Alick Macheso

THE king of sungura, Alick Macheso has revealed that his new album will likely be on the market in August. Unexpected changes to his band at the start of the year have forced him to reschedule his album plans. The focus at the moment is to take the new band members through his previous work before they can move to the new album. Macheso has recorded EIGHT albums with his Orchestra Mberikwazvo since leaving Khiama Boys in 1998. 

In an exclusive interview with H-Metro, Macheso said he had planned to start rehearsals for the new album in mid-January. This however, changed when lead guitarist Noel Nyazanda, backing vocalist Elton Muropa and frontline dancer Francis “Slomo” Dhaka left for Suluman Chimbetu’s Orchestra Dendera Kings. In a new-look line-up, Francis Charamba plays the rhythm guitar. He was not attached at the time of joining Orchestra Mberikwazvo and was staying in Epworth but has since moved to Chitungwiza. 

Wilson Meka came in for Muropa. He started off as a domestic worker in Bulawayo, tried his luck at Pengaudzoke but was unattached when he joined Macheso. Watson Fundura is a drummer who is also a dancer and backing vocalist. He was once at Utakataka Express. First Sakala is back as a dancer while Donald Gogo and Devin take turns to play the lead guitar. “I know that the fans are curious, it is their band and they help shape the future. Let me say that I'm looking at July-August thereabout for the new album. 

“The delay was caused by the unexpected changes to the band, which meant that the new guys have to go through all our previous work before we can start working on the new album. “My original plan was that we would start rehearsing the new album in the second week of January but the departure by some of the band members meant a change of plans. “Of course we might have something to sample but the truth is what will be featured in the new album will not be certain until about June. 

“A lot of things will happen and some of the songs that might seem set for the album might not even make it when we finalise it (album) so it is too early to tell which songs will be on the new album,” said Macheso. 

Looking back at his full month of live shows with a new-look band, Macheso said it was a gruelling journey.

His first show of the year was held on the final weekend of January. “It was tough but the good thing is that all my shows went well and the fans have been telling me that there is very little change to the music except the changes in faces. 

“We were forced to come up with a new programme when some of the band members left. We were meant to take a rest but zvakatipinza busy, as we had to regroup for rehearsals. “It was hectic and but the good thing is that the new guys were quick to adapt to our way.”  About 100 job seekers thronged the Chitungwiza Aquatic Complex where Macheso does his rehearsals. 

“The process made us realise that there is a lot of talent out there, there are so many people who are very good but are just not getting the opportunity to showcase their talent. “Unfortunately we could not accommodate all of them but it was an eye-opener. “I knew exactly what I was looking for and that made my job a lot easier. In the end it was an easy task to accomplish. So far it looks like the choices were good and that is the feedback I’ve been getting from fans.” 

Macheso revealed that rhythm guitarist Lucky Mumikiri has been very supportive during the turbulent times. 

Mumiriki has NOT been a part of Orchestra Mberikwazvo for over a year now after suffering a stroke, which paralyised the left side of his body. “Lucky is recovering well and he has been very supportive. He has been attending our practice sessions, giving a tip or two where necessary. “Also he has been attending some of our shows, spending two or three hours before going back home. We are happy that he is improving and I’m grateful for his continued commitment to the band.”

Macheso also took the opportunity to congratulate all the artistes who scooped prizes at the National Arts Merit Awards held at 7 Arts in Harare on Saturday night. He lost out in the battle for the Outstanding Musician award, which went to Suluman Chimbetu. Despite being a finalist, Macheso did not attend the event as he was staging a show at Stodart Hall in Mbare. “I could not make it for the event because of work commitments but let me take the opportunity to congratulate the winners. “There is a lot of talent in Zimbabwe and I believe that all those winners were rewarded for their hard work. I hope the awards will inspire them to work harder in future.” (HMetro)