The Sunday Mail
Zimbabwe’s who’s who – from politicians to top businesspeople, celebrities to socialites – will tomorrow converge in Norton for Sharon Macheso’s wedding.
Sharon, the daughter of the King of Sungura Alick Macheso, weds longtime sweetheart Kudakwashe Munetsi at superstar Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi’s Pakare Paye Arts Centre.
Eight hundred guests have been invited to the reception, which starts at 2pm, with the main ceremony set to take place in the 2 500-seat Sam Mtukudzi Conference Centre.
A private security company and the Zimbabwe Republic Police will ensure only those with invites make their way in, something that will certainly dampen the spirits of Macheso’s many fans.
The Mtukudzis are very close to the Machesos and the two high-profile families joined forces to make Sharon and Kudakwashe’s wedding historic.
Getting in touch with the parents of the bride proved to be an uphill task, but Sharon had something to say on their behalf.
“Dad is still in the UK, but obviously over the moon. As their first child they are really proud of me and I’m proud of myself too. I am still daddy’s girl though. It won’t be easy for them to let go but I guess they can’t run from the inevitable.”
Tuku’s wife, Daisy, who is providing catering services and décor for the event, and is also Sharon’s godmother, said they were ready for the big do.
“We have hosted bigger numbers of people than the ones expected, so we believe that we are ready for the wedding,” says Daisy Mtukudzi, who runs Pakare Paye with her hubby.
Amai Mtukudzi, whose daughter Samantha wed footballer Tinashe Nengomasha a few years ago, says Sharon is just like her own daughter and she would do anything to ensure the success of her big day.
“This wedding is very special to me because Sharon is our daughter. Her mother supports me a lot in life and I feel that by doing this I would be repaying her kindness and love which she has shown me over the years. I am happy for Sharon and for Nyadzi as well. I really pray that Sharon’s young sisters emulate their elder sister.
“Being a musician is not a crime, but we get insults from all directions over this job. This wedding will prove to everybody that we are not only united as musicians but we support each other as well in the upbringing of our children.”
She says as Sharon’s godmother, she had told her not to expect the same life she was accustomed to under her father’s roof.
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“Things may be different where she is going: life might get better or standards may actually decline. She should expect those things and handle them accordingly. We told her that simply because she has a medical condition (diabetes) that troubles her from time to time she should not expect to be handled or treated like an egg.
“There are wifely and motherly roles that would be expected of her and she should deliver. All this we emphasise to her but we know that she was brought up well, knows this and has been bombarded with this message,” counsels Daisy.
For the bride, these are naturally heady times.
Her bridal shower at LaChelle Travel in Eastlea, owned by Mrs Mary Chiwenga, was said to have been a blast.
“It was awesome. Everyone was there but special mention goes to my mom, mother Chiwenga, Mahwindo, Mai White, Mama Red Rose, Tuku Girls and vana tete,” said Sharon.
The sungura princess emphasised the issue of security tomorrow, saying “gatecrashers will be arrested”.
The eldest daughter of the sungura maestro said she had selected a number of radio presenters to emcee.
“I have not concluded yet but it looks like I may settle for Kanyemba Bonzo and Prominence Makhaza. I have really been running round personally to ensure that everything is flawless come the day,” she said.
The mechanical engineering student said she would decide after the wedding to resume her studies in China or pursue them in South Africa where her husband-to-be is based.
With her nine bridesmaids and their partners, led by maid-of-honour Sihle Nyanhongo, Sharon – who has had some of her outfits for tomorrow’s event designed in the United States – will surely rock.
The after party will be at Radost Platinum, the top pub-restaurant at Long Cheng Plaza. For her honeymoon, the well-travelled sungura princess will be in Zanzibar, The Seychelles and Dubai.
