The Sunday Mail
Dennis Chimanzi
VETERAN sungura singer Alick “Baba Sharo” Macheso has encouraged fellow musicians to opt for family gigs that start and end early.
The Orchestra Mberikwazvo band leader and Red Cross Society humanitarian ambassador said this would make it easy for revellers to observe stipulated curfew times.
A daily curfew running from 9pm to 6am has been declared to limit movement and curb the transmission of the coronavirus, with only essential services providers being exempted.
Furthermore, Macheso notes most venues that host family shows are spacious thus making it possible for merrymakers to practice social distancing.
“It is easy to manage crowds during a family show, therefore, social distancing becomes possible. Also, when a show ends early, it means people get to travel back home on time,” said Macheso.
Most family shows start around 2pm and are often held on Sundays. However, Saturday is also another appropriate day for such events.
“We are always conscious to start and end early each time we play for families. Given the existing curfew imposed so as to curb the spread of Covid-19, I think it is best if we prioritise family shows as musicians,” added Macheso.
“These shows are there to unite families. By spending time together, they get to bond and we will most likely have fewer cases of domestic violence. At such events, I also make sure I sing family-related songs that address issue like gender-based violence (GBV).
Lady Squanda fires salvo
Controversial Zimdancehall chanter Lady Squanda real name Sandra Gazi has fired a salvo at her social media critics.
Squanda’s health has been a subject of speculation over the past weeks, or months, after she lost some weight.
The situation further got out of hand when she recently posted her picture on Facebook.
Critics believe the “Ndinovhaira” hitmaker is under the weather.
Cyberbullies have also, unfortunately, seized the opportunity to torment the chanter.
Some even accused her of being a drug and alcohol addict. However, the courageous chanter told The Sunday Mail Society that she would not lose sleep over losers’ comments.
“I’m aware of my haters. Their intention is to derail my work. But, I am not bothered about them. I cannot worry about people that have failed in life. I am going to stay in my lane,” vowed Lady Squanda.
The self-proclaimed Zimdancehall queen added that weight loss was not uncommon.
“It’s normal to lose weight. I’m surprised at why many people are saying abusive things to me because of this development. It’s not good, I’m also a human being and have feelings,” she said.
Meanwhile, Lady Squanda said she has new songs that she will be dropping soon.
Poet bemoans piracy
Abel Mauchi, a Masvingo-based poet, has been hit hard by piracy.
The artist is famous for his comical free-style poems and intriguing books but has never enjoyed the fruits of his sweat.
“I have written five books and have nothing to show for it because of piracy. I even tried selling copies of my work alone and it still did not bear fruit,” said Mauchi.
The talented poet has a healthy following on various social media platforms.
However, it is still not helping him grow.
“I don’t know how to use social media to market my art and get monetary benefits. Unfortunately, there are some people that are marketing my work without my knowledge and I am not getting anything from them,” he said.
The artist is currently indisposed and is surviving through handouts.
