The Sunday Mail
ALICK Macheso turned 49 yesterday and he was expected to celebrate his birthday at Tanza Centre in Chitungwiza with mostly his avid nocturnal concert followers. This afternoon, he celebrates with his relatives, friends and fans at a family show at Club Las Vegas in Southerton. Below we reproduce the sungura legend’s birthday message to his fans around the globe and fellow countrymen as relayed to our reporter Prince Mushawevato. Allow me to start by thanking those sending me congratulatory messages. These are the very same people that have made me what I am today. If it wasn’t for them I would have probably derailed long back due to a number of challenges I have faced in life, most of which are public knowledge.
The very same way they are sending me congratulatory birthday messages is the same way they have sent comforting messages in my times of need.
In that regard, I also want to thank the Almighty for his guidance, giving me loving and caring fans and friends.
I’m now 49 years old but I have not attained these years because I’m smart, no, but through divine mercy. It is important for everyone to always remember that God helps those that help and take care of themselves. If you have suicidal tendencies, the creator will let you be.
My family led by my wife has also been instrumental in making sure I stay focused.
Mai Sharo vakandikoshera zvakanyanya because she tells me what to wear and controls my diet on a daily basis. This has helped me stay healthy and improve my art since I have more time to focus on my work.
I’m rejoicing over this 49th milestone.
The years are not that much but most people of my age, some that share the same birthday with me, have not been fortunate enough to get this far thus there is every reason to celebrate and be grateful.
Equally, I’m calling upon everyone; promoters, sponsors, corporate partners and fans to come and join us as I celebrate one of the most important days of my life.
Above all, I know there are a lot of Zimbabweans that were born on June 10. They should all come and join the celebrations.
We must have a big party kuti zuva riite hombe. Celebrations are starting at Tanza Centre in Chitungwiza on Saturday (yesterday).
The following day, Sunday (today) we celebrate with families at a family show slated for Club Las Vegas in Southerton. Different venue celebrations are meant to cater for everyone.
I would have loved for my mother to be present at the celebrations so I could sing her the track “Amai”, but due to circumstances beyond her control she cannot join us.
I will sing old songs and sample tracks from the forthcoming album, entertaining those that are coming, of course, with the help of fellow musicians that are billed to perform as well.
Let me take this opportunity to also thank all artistes that have agreed to be part of the events. I know they had other things to do but out of love they have sacrificed their time. It means a lot.
But birthday celebrations have never been my thing.
Usually I was reminded about the day by my wife and kids ndakanganwa tongoita kabiko kadiki pamba. However, through encouragement from people like mdara Tuku I took the birthday to the people.
As for my forthcoming album. I want to assure the nation ndakumona kekupedzisira tichibvisa twumapundu twanga twasarira kuti sadza racho risaite mbodza.
The album will carry our usual six tracks and will be out in August.
We have never had challenges in coming up with new compositions and the opening of our new studio (Alema) has made work easy for us. The previous album “Tsoka Dzerwendo”, did well in terms of sales and helped rejuvenate my shows. Our fans are loving the songs and they appear new each time we play them.
Special mention goes to the media for doing a sterling job in promoting our work be it in the newspapers, radio or television. Ndinotenda nekusingaperi. Finally, I would love to encourage fellow musicians to continue composing fresh and thought-provoking music, which entertains, educates and at the same time informs. Styles in music differ thus always push hard for recognition and never give up. Thank you all for your support. Ayaaaayaa!
