Tasting Macheso’s brew @ Alema

SUNGURA maestro Alick Macheso is always super confident with his work but on “Dzinosvitsa Kure”, his forthcoming 11th studio album, the singer has gone a notch higher.

His gaiety hints of a man who is so sure he has created a missile that will not miss.

The six-track album due to be launched on June 8 at Aquatic Complex in Chitungwiza was officially titled last week with the final naming of tracks expected this coming Tuesday.

And who can fault the talented vocalist and guitarist for the bloated poise? Rough tracks on the forthcoming album that I sampled at his Alema Studios in Chitungwiza easily give answers for the “Charakupa” singer’s jovial behaviour.

The raw product sounds refined to an ordinary ear yet a little further refining is still necessary. Also, it is that kind of music that will create nostalgia in Macheso’s fans.

I am talking of music that has been crafted with a blend of skills that spiralled albums like “Zvido Zvenyu Kunyanya” (2003) and “Ndezvashe” (2007) to success. The luscious lead guitar anchored by the melodic rhythm guitar and mind blowing bass guitar ambiances.

Add veteran producer Bothwell “African” Nyamhondera’s touch into the matrix.

Nyamhondera is working on the entire project on a consultation basis.

But whether “Dzinosvitsa Kure” will be a chart topper or not remains a debate for another day.

What is ear catching at present is the fact that the artiste, also known as Baba Sharo, has this time around decided to go it alone on vocals. He is not leaving anything to chance.

The singer is doing both lead and backing vocals on the set to be released album. The only other voices to make it on the forthcoming project are that of the two chanters (Jonasi Kasamba and Zhili Mumbamulapi).

But again the chanting is kept on minimal.

Will the formula work wonders like in the past for Baba Sharo?

“Fans have been begging that we produce music like we used to do back in the days. In the last album, ‘Tsoka Dzerwendo’ (2016), I had Twitter (Wilson Meka) on backing vocals and they did not like the outcome. They felt his voice was not yet up to our standards hence I for now decided to do the lead and backing vocals,” confirms Baba Sharo.

“The only other voice that listeners will hear on the album is that of the two chanters on two tracks. They are not singing but just chanting. I have decided to give prominence to my message and instruments on this one. I will try the other guys in my next albums after this one.”

There is pulsating guitar work on “Dzinosvitsa Kure” produced by veteran guitarists Noel Nyazanda, Devine Muzenda, Mike aka Maikoro and Macheso himself. Nyamhondera working alongside Arron Tom is making sure the sound is kept as tight and crispy as possible.

And when I visited Alema Studios last week, Macheso’s band members were busy listening to the music helping identify grey areas.

“Waya dzerwendo rwuno hadzina kumira mushe (the guitar sound this time around is unmatched). No one monopolised an instrument as we all took turns on the lead, rhythm and even bass guitar.

“The sound is so rich because of the diverse talents that took part, which also include touch of incredible producers, Nyamhondera and Tom,” said a fizzing Baba Sharo.

Nyazanda weighs in saying: “I tried my best to make a difference and listening to it so far I think zvinoita (it will work).”

Nyamhondera who has played a pivotal role in Macheso’s previous success stories in music production was at a loss for words.

“I have a good feeling about this album. It is too nice. In fact, I have never seen such production from Macheso ever since I have worked with him. The product is more polished, composed and comes with a refreshing message. That’s all I can say for now.” he said.

Tom adds: “I don’t think a cake is as delicious as the music on ‘Dzinosvitsa Kure’. It is 100 percent sungura and sweet. But this is me being modest because the truth is the album is more than 100 percent good.”

This time around Macheso had little or no pressure to come up with something new, which might have helped him in composure and creativity.

His last offering “Tsoka Dzerwendo” came four years after “Kwatakabva Mitunhu” and came at a time when fans were already impatient. It was anticipated or even desperately needed by his legion of fans and every other music fan.

Other albums that make up Macheso’s discography include, “Simbaradzo”, “Zvakanaka Zvakadaro”, “Vapupuri Pupurai” and Zvinoda Kutendwa”, “Magariro” and “Vakiridzo”.