The Sunday Mail
Dennis Chimanzi
ALICK “Baba Sharo” Macheso’s Orchestra Mberikwazvo fans are probably familiar with the name Charles Chembe.
He is arguably one, if not the most loyal member, of the revered sungura ensemble.
The dancer has spent close to three decades with “Baba Sharo”, after joining the group at its formation in 1997.
Over the years, several dancers and instrumentalists have joined Orchestra Mberikwazvo and left, but he remains loyal.
He first embarked on his professional musical journey around 1994, working under the late Marko Sibanda and the Insiza Band.
The two-year marriage, however, ended after an altercation with Sibanda, which saw Chembe joining the Nicholas Zacharia-led Khiama Boys in 1996.
It is then that he met Baba Sharo and the two clicked.
After working together for close to a year, Chembe found himself among some of the band members, including Macheso, who defected from Khiama Boys to form Orchestra Mberikwazvo.
Chembe was part of the team that recorded “Magariro” (1998), Macheso’s debut album.
In an interview with The Sunday Mail Society at his home in Chitungwiza, the dancer said he values his relationship with his boss.
“We worked together under Nicholas Zacharia, but he was more experienced than me. I was in music before joining the two groups (Khiama Boys and Orchestra Mberikwazvo) but I have learnt a lot from Macheso over the years.
“In fact, I am here today because of that man,” said Chembe.
He is employed as a dancer, but at times, doubles as a guitarist or backing vocalist.
“I began as a dancer but Baba Sharo encouraged me to be versatile.
“He taught me how to play the guitar and sing.”
It is often such growth that encourages other band members to explore solo careers, but not for Chembe.
“My heart is with the band. Whatever skill I have learnt under him, I will use it for the good of the group,” he said.
In 2018, the 46-year-old received the longest-serving Orchestra Mberikwazvo band member award from Baba Sharo.
“When mdara (Macheso) launched his new album “Tsoka Dzerwendo” in 2018, he honoured me for my long service.
“I felt honoured and prayed for God to grant me many years with the band. In fact, I wish to be with Orchestra Mberikwazvo till forever,” he added.
“Our history tightly bonds us. We have come far together. I have witnessed some of my colleagues leave for one reason or another but that does not move me.
“Part of the lessons that I have learnt from Baba Sharo is to be resolute.”
Chembe said he has been able to provide for his family, including taking his children to school, through his salary.
He has also built himself a house in Chitungwiza and drives a decent car.
Just like Macheso, he is of Malawian descent.
“My grandparents were from Malawi and this is probably another reason I relate well with my boss. He also has his roots in that part of Africa.”
Macheso’s trusted publicist and manager, Tich Makahamadze, said Chembe’s loyalty was outstanding.
“He is someone you can trust.
“We have never had a problem with him at work. It is our hope that band members, not just ours, can learn one or two things from him pertaining to loyalty and hard work,” said Makahamadze.
“He has received due recognition for his service. When we launched our 12th album ‘Tinosvitswa Nashe’, he was honoured for his 25-year service.
“Some of the awards and recognition we give him are not mentioned in the media but we make it a policy to periodically do so.”
It was their wish, he said, to continue working with him and make sure he financially benefits from his effort.
