The Sunday Mail
Alick Macheso
Reports that Macheso’s camp has lined up shows with man-of-the-moment Jah Prayzah and also intends to feature him on his forthcoming album together with Zim dancehall’s Killer T seem to lend credence to the claims that he is no longer confident in his own work.
Information gathered by this publication revealed that the revered sungura musician’s management has organised joint shows with Jah Prayzah, real name Mukudzei Mukombe, to capitalise on the gangly musician’s current purple patch before they launch their forthcoming album. The shows will be done in all major towns and cities in the country namely Bulawayo, Gweru, Mutare, Masvingo, Zvishavane and Harare, where Macheso intends to sample his new tracks.
Moreover, it is said that Baba Sharo has also set in motion plans to record a collaboration song with the high riding Jah Prayzah and Killer T, born Kelvin Kusikwenyu, which will feature on the yet to be officially titled album.
The sungura virtuoso, who many say his game suffered when fierce rival Tongai Moyo died, is currently at crossroads. Macheso aka Baba Sharo has delayed releasing his new effort, could this be because he is not certain if his new material will help him regain his lost ground?
Recently, the sungura king told this reporter that his forthcoming album “will carry the traditional six tracks and a bonus dancehall song”.
Delays in sealing the collaboration deal have resulted in the continued postponement of the album release date. This is despite well placed sources revealing that all the sungura tracks are now ready for the market. Baba Sharo’s manager Lucky Macheso confirmed finalising dates for a scheduled tour with Jah Prayzah and believes everything is in order and flowing according to plan.
He argues that the need to produce a perfect product for their fans is the reason why they do not rush projects. At the same time he said there is going to be surprises on the album.
“He (Macheso) sometimes sing dancehall in the studio and on stage. I do not see any reason for him not to include it on the album. However, I’m not certain who is going to feature or not on the project.
“Macheso has talent and can go it alone if he wishes to but we have since arranged a number of shows that we will do with Jah Prayzah around the country,” said Lucky.
Market watchers opine that Baba Sharo is in fear of a 2012 repeat. In the year in question, the sungura supremo’s much awaited album “Kwatakabva Mitunhu” (Kure Kwekure), failed to dislodge Suluman “Sulu” Chimbetu’s multi-award winning album “Syllabus”, which just like “Jerusarema” was doing well both in sales and on radio.
In an interview last week, Jah Prayzah said: “…Our fans have been pushing for Macheso and I to join forces through a collaboration and live shows hence this opportunity will definitely bring a smile on everyone’s face, mine included.
“I respect my elders and I still need to learn a lot of things in the showbiz industry. In fact, I’m still to achieve my set targets, thus rubbing shoulders with veterans like mdara Macheso will help me move a step closer towards achieving the goals. We definitely have no problem in doing business with him (Macheso).”
Fellow musician Killer T added that his engine is already raving and is ready for the task.
Of late, Baba Sharo has been struggling to attract expected crowds at his traditional strongholds like Jongwe Corner, Newlife Nite Club, Pamuzinda and Extra Mile, with his lowest moments having been recorded at Club Las Vegas and Big Apple gigs that only attracted a handful of people.
