The Sunday Mail
Sungura superstar Alick Macheso has pleaded for mercy from increasingly critical fans, saying he bleeds like any man and should not be judged harshly.
The sungura musician, fondly known to many as Cheso, said it was wrong for any living being to judge him let alone call for his prosecution without verifying facts.
Said Macheso: “Dai vanhu vaiziva kuti nditoriwo munhu pamwe zvaiita nani. Mitezo yedu yakakafanana iyi, ndikachekwa ndotobudawo ropa (If only people knew that I’m also human, things could be better. If my flesh is cut, I also bleed like everyone else).”
He is not defensive or seeking justification but he is a dejected man putting on a brave face.
The sungura maestro, for those not in the know, is embroiled in a nasty divorce case with his second wife, Fortunate “Tafadzwa” Mapako.
And, it is the washing of the ‘couples’ dirty linen in public like Macheso’s manhood being likened to a caterpillar worm – also known as dora by the estranged wife that is proving wearisome to the veteran musician.
But, despite a discernible balance in the accusations between the two parties, the sungura virtuoso opines that he has been unfairly criticised, essentially by the media.
In an interview with The Sunday Mail Leisure on the sidelines of his birthday bash dubbed “Baba Shero @46”, the revered musician said divorce is not peculiar to him, but now he cannot help but feel as if it is.
He said, while appreciating the fact that he is a public figure (celebrity), the coverage of his annulment tale has been unjust and plain brutal. The visibly disconsolate Macheso said,
“We were all created by the same God and face similar challenges. I don’t know why some certain publications and reporters are taking this matter personally. It seems like they had issues with me and have since found ground to launch an attack on my person. Some of the reports are intentionally exaggerated,”
His statement, however, leaves one wondering if the musician knows and appreciates his value and relevance to the arts industry and the country at large. Though, he has decided to judge the coverage is personal, fact is he deserves the attention.
Added Cheso: “Clearly there are people that wish to see my back. Take for instance; we (Tafadzwa and Him) decided to have our paternity tests done in private and that was the case on June 4. But I was surprised to see the story all over the papers the following day.”
For a greater part of the interview, it felt awkward for this reporter to engage the sungura musician on his personal life given the mood that characterised the birthday bash. The sizeable crowd that braved the chilly weather and graced the event was undoubtedly behind the musician as evidenced by the congratulatory messages that constantly interrupted our interview.
“In the past weeks, my life has rather been on the low side. This is my birthday bash and I don’t want to think of anything else other than this birthday bash. I don’t know when I was last in a jovial mood, so let me please capitalise on this day,” pleaded Macheso.
When news of the impending divorce became public knowledge, first to fire from the hip was Macheso, who called for their two kids to undergo paternity tests; claiming that Tafadzwa’s pregnancies were a mystery. But Tafadzwa was equally vicious in her response, alleging that the collapse of their union can be traced to her refusal to allow Macheso to use “an unorthodox manner of curing nhova (fontanelle). The unorthodox manner is alleged to have involved Macheso inserting his manhood into a child’s mouth until he produced semen.
Macheso denied the claims. He said he used a method known as “kutara” for treating the sunken fontanelle on the child.
“Who does not know that an estranged woman makes all sorts of accusations?
“This is exactly what has been happening and unfortunately, some of the unfounded accusations have been made public by you guys. Damage has been done to my character but I know the Almighty is with me,” noted Macheso.
It is difficult to ascertain, who between the two conflicting parties is telling the truth as they have all come forward ‘playing victim’.
But it should be noted that Tafadzwa has in more than a single incident been caught off-side, with a pack of lies. For instance, she is alleged to have in the past made a number of misrepresentations of herself ranging from being a medical doctor, having close links with the First Lady, being a businesswoman, being childless (before meeting Macheso) among many other issues.
Macheso indicated that the desire to please his loyal fans has kept him going in these trying times, when taking a break would have been an easy option.
“… yes all is not well. I made a mistake and have been a victim just like any other man. Do I have then to be slaughtered for that? This development is worrying me just like it would any other man, but I’m certain it will come to pass,” said Macheso, adding, “I’m sure some people have learnt one or two things from this.”
The sungura supremo said he is happy the paternity test has finally been done, noting the results will give him peace of mind.
“I’m glad the tests have been conducted. The results will go a long way in solving this puzzle. I’m prepared to take the outcome be it in my favour or against,” said the talented bass guitarist and vocalist.
He, however, could not be drawn to reveal the results that he expected though his brief pose after the question seemed to suggest he had a standpoint.
