MACHESO NAVIGATES SUCCESS, CONTROVERSY

Prince Mushawevato

SUNGURA kingpin Alick Macheso’s latest offering, “Kupa Kuturika”, has elicited both excitement and debate since its release on August 2.

The production has generated considerable buzz, as has his onstage antics with a curvaceous woman during the Defence Forces Day extravaganza at Rufaro Stadium on Tuesday.

While some are engrossed with dissecting the four songs that have already been released from the planned six-track album, others are busy curating hilarious memes and challenges inspired by the mysterious female fan, who caused a stir by sharing the stage with the sungura maestro at the stadium.

Alick Macheso officially unveils a community borehole in Dzivaresekwa

Since the grand unveiling of his 13th studio effort, Baba Sharo, as Macheso is affectionately known by his legion of fans, has been deftly balancing the demands of corporate sponsors, a hungry media, adoring fans and eager promoters.

Notably, he recently commissioned a solar-powered borehole in Dzivaresekwa Extension.

This project was a collaborative effort involving Pacific Cigarette Company, Jive Zimbabwe and the musician.

Inspired by his own roots, since Dzivaresekwa was where Macheso first settled after moving to Harare from Shamva, the borehole is aimed at addressing the community’s water needs.

Amidst many of his engagements, one thing is, however, clear: He is evidently thrilled with his new album, while also expressing dissatisfaction with some recent developments. He was particularly not amused by the criticism that has come his way before all songs on the album have been released.

Premature appraisals

“It is astonishing how an entire six-track album can be dismissed after just one song is released. In fact, I was labelled irrelevant before the song was even on the market for two days,” Baba Sharo told The Sunday Mail Entertainment.

“I think this is a record on its own. In my several years as a musician, I have never seen a full album that is reviewed on the same day it is released; perhaps this is a sign of changing times.”

The musician hinted that there seemed to be people who were doing everything in their power to discredit his work.

“A few days before our album launch, some songs allegedly leaked from our album were circulated on social media to create confusion among our fans.

“Some of our followers still believe those songs are part of the new album because of being misled. The music that was said to be mine had six tracks, yet we have only officially released four songs thus far. I have no control over such shenanigans and the culprits probably know better why they did so.”

The 56-year-old muso has dominated the music scene for over two decades.

“I did not wake up as the Macheso I am today,” he said.

“I achieved what I have through sheer hard work, resilience and, above all, support from Orchestra Mberikwazvo fans. More than 20 years ago, I introduced some music to the world and by God’s grace, some fell in love with it.

“Since then, I have not stopped composing. As a musician, I constantly release new projects. It is my duty to break monotony with fresh compositions; ndopaya pamunoona tichibata twakawanda-wanda, including collaborations with other musicians like Makhadzi and Freeman.

“I understand that some people may not like the changes, but those who do not shouldn’t force their opinions on others.”

He compared his group to a football team that adapts its formations to meet evolving trends.

Many sungura artistes imitate Macheso’s style, especially his distinctive bass guitar- playing and gestures.

Some even adopt his characteristic vocal delivery, making it difficult to distinguish one singer from the other in the genre.

“Our latest offering is representing a positive change and we will not stop there. The fact that we have evolved from our ‘Shedia’ or ‘Charakupa’ days fills me with pride. It shows our growth as a group.

“We have been receiving feedback on the songs we have released so far and that guides our direction. I create music for the people and I do not need to pay anyone for protection of my released work or to get support. Our music markets itself!”

Damaging rumours

There were rumours that the artiste had to re-record some songs due to negative feedback following the initial release.

However, Macheso vehemently denied these claims.

He indicated that the staggered release of the album was meant to combat piracy.

“The recording process was completed long ago. We are already working on new projects. Chaibva chaora! To combat piracy, we decided to release our music gradually to generate income through online platforms,” Macheso explained.

The 32-member group suspended live performances for about a month before the launch of the latest album.

They are scheduled to resume shows this weekend with one of them scheduled at the Steak House in Harare today.

The gig will serve as both an album launch celebration and a farewell event before Orchestra Mberikwazvo’s performance at the Africa Music Festival in the United Kingdom on August 24 and 25.

“We outsmarted the pirates,” he said with a grin, adding: “That is why some of them are so upset. I believe we made the right decision. They could not create pirated copies with just a single or two songs. The tracks will be released one by one until the full album is out.”

The “Madhawu” singer also addressed changes in his music, particularly his vocal style. I have come a long way in the music industry and continue to evolve. I cannot remain stuck in a style I introduced decades ago. If other artistes want to replicate my old style, that is their choice and fans will ultimately decide what they prefer.

“Veterans like the late Dr Oliver Mtukudzi and Dr Thomas Mapfumo went through a lot of transitions in their music careers. If they had maintained a single style, they would not have lasted the distance,” argued Macheso.

Some music analysts feel it is not realistic for a singer to maintain the same voice they had as a child. By the time of going to print, fans had been treated to “Zvichada Hama”, “Kunditaya”, “Kuverengera” and “Murangarire”. “Hunhu Hwakashata” and “Undiregererewo” were still on the horizon.