MUSICIANS RELIVE MACHETE HORRORS

*Shinsoman forced to sing same song for two hours *Sulu bolts from stage *Seh Calaz stopped from performing Romeo Gasa’s instruments confiscated

Prince Mushawevato

Features and Arts Editor

A COUPLE of years ago, sungura supremo Alick Macheso was, as usual, having a blast on stage in Zvishavane.

He was typically in his element.

The veteran singer serenaded fans with ear-soothing hits such as “Tafadzwa”, “Madhuve”, “Shedia”, “Madhau” and “Murume”.

As per tradition, he would intermittently pause his set and ask for requests from fans.

Everything about the night was perfect — or so he thought — talk about a good crowd and the fine summer weather.

As the music show seemingly climaxed, excited fans drew closer to the stage.

The jovial lot, clearly enchanted by Macheso’s guitar-strumming skills, would pamper the sungura magician with crisp United States bills, mostly US$100- and US$50-dollar notes.

After playing for the whole night, and with the sun almost coming up, his security team, as per routine, went on stage to escort him out of the venue, and that is when trouble began.

One of the fans unsheathed his machete, which hitherto had been concealed under his jacket, and gestured for the “Ndakakutadzirei” singer to return on stage and carry on with the show.

They argued that by paying the piper, they now called the tune.

In other words, he had to play until they felt satisfied.

Sensing danger, he complied.

“Iiii, ndatya kuti ndikaburuka pastage vana vevanhu vangagurwe mitezo (I had security, but I had to comply as I realised people could lose their limbs in a scuffle),” Macheso reportedly told his close confidants after the disturbing incident.

In June last year, Sanders Magwizi, the late prominent Masvingo businessman, was left counting his losses after a machete-wielding gang literally gatecrashed a venue where he was hosting Macheso.

The businessman-cum-promoter had fully paid the musician in the hope that he would make his money from gate takings and refreshments.

This is the dilemma that is facing many local musicians, especially those who rely on live shows.

They find the riches and allure of mining towns irresistible, but often end up being prisoners of the whims and caprices of cash-flush, machete-wielding fans, most of whom are artisanal miners.

Macheso’s manager and publicist Tich Makahamadze said musicians need to be cautious when performing in these areas.

“Yes, there are skirmishes here and there,  but our band or its leader have never been attacked,” he said.

“These guys just want you to play till sunrise, which is not a problem for us. We sometimes play until 7am. Musicians just need to be cautious in these areas and understand what the people want.”

Despite the increased likelihood of being caught up in violent skirmishes, musicians continue to make a beeline to entertain revellers in these areas.

High-rising hip-hop artiste Holy Ten is the latest victim, as his car was vandalised in Zvishavane by hooligans who were baying for his blood.

The muso’s manager, Tinashe Guvava, said they were attacked for simply refusing to play for extra hours.

“Our contract stated that we were supposed to perform from 7pm and end the show at midnight, which we did.

“However, the crowd demanded we play until sunrise.

“We could not extend because our shows are charged per hour and the promoter was not going to cover the extra hours,” he said.

“The misunderstanding resulted in them attacking us and destroying our cars. As I speak, I do not think we will be comfortable performing in Zvishavane again.”

Dendera singer Suluman “Sulu” Chimbetu has had a fair share of unpleasant clashes with this rare species of fans.  His recent show in Mazowe was abandoned because of violent clashes between machete gangs.

“I was on stage just like any other normal day. As we were going about our business, all hell broke loose. A guy in the crowd pulled out a machete and charged towards his target, who then sought refuge on stage.

“Sadly, that did not stop the attacker, who went on to strike his victim before my eyes. It was a typical horror scene, to say the least. My team and I immediately abandoned the stage,” he said.

But his nightmare was not over.

Outside the venue, a full-scale machete war ensued.

“They did not have respect for anyone,” Sulu continued.

“In fact, we struggled to leave the venue, as some of them violently instructed us to go back on stage. It is disturbing to note such culture has become prevalent.

“We are losing a lot of lives due to such barbaric acts, and I feel it is time for the authorities to take stern action. Live shows are meant to entertain people . . . As musicians, we are not safe at all.”

While police are often present at live gigs, they are sometimes overwhelmed.

In 2020, Zimdancehall chanter Shinsoman was reportedly held hostage at a show in Chegutu and forced to repeat the same song “Mawaya-waya” for hours on end.

“I had a show in Kwekwe with Freeman and all they (rogue fans) did was fight. In Chegutu, it was total horror. They made me sing for hours. After performing one song, they would make me repeat it,” he was quoted saying.

He now avoids such areas.

According to Seh Calaz’s manager Lawrence “Boss Dhumara” Rimai, the musician was simply told not to perform at his own show.

“For reasons best known to them, they threatened to turn the place upside down if Seh Calaz went on stage, and that was it; he did not perform,” said Boss Dhumara.

As for sungura singer Romeo Gasa, he was forced to perform for two consecutive days at the same venue.

“At one point, I was forced to play for two days in Chegutu and ended up cancelling a Guruve gig that had been paid for in advance. The machete-wielding gang confiscated part of my instruments and told me they would return them after the second show. Fortunately, they paid me for the show,” said Gasa.