Online Reporter
Prince Mushawevato
IF Alick Macheso, the revered sungura king, were to embody the spirit of the animal kingdom, he would undoubtedly emerge as an elephant or, perhaps, a majestic dolphin.
This profound connection is attributed to his astonishingly sharp memory, a gift that frequently leaves his devoted fans utterly spellbound.
While elephants, chimpanzees and squirrels are celebrated for their remarkable recall, animal experts often proclaim dolphins are the true titans of memory, lauded for their profound intelligence and extraordinary long-term retention. These family-oriented aquatic creatures forge unbreakable social bonds, a characteristic remarkably akin to Macheso’s own cherished relationships with his fans, band members and beloved family.
The legendary crooner, who celebrated his 57th birthday on June 10, possesses a razor-sharp memory that, against the usual tide of time, appears to grow ever stronger with each passing year. With nearly three decades gracing the music industry, Macheso, affectionately known as Baba Sharo, and of the Soko totem, embarked on his journey from Hereford Farm in Shamva, eventually finding his rhythm in the bustling heart of Harare. His odyssey through the capital led him from Dzivaresekwa to Epworth, then Chitungwiza, before he finally cast anchor in Waterfalls.
Remarkably, he vividly remembers most, if not all, of the people he frequently associated with and the activities that connected them.
But the marvel does not end there.
Whenever he graces the stage in any of the locales he once called home, or indeed, in any corner touched by his vibrant music career, the accomplished singer and composer unveils his profound geographical acumen.
With precision, he articulates the very names of streets and landmarks, weaving them seamlessly into the very fabric of his live performances.
And the enchantment deepens still.
Baba Sharo’s gigs are consistently sold out. But amid the huge crowds, be it in Bulawayo, Beitbridge, Chipinge, Mount Darwin, Gwanda or Binga, he possesses the uncanny ability to spot familiar faces and bestow heartfelt shout-outs.
To underscore the depth of his “personal” or “fond” connection with these individuals, he eloquently recounts the tales of their acquaintance. The musician explained why he does this.
“This is my heartfelt way of acknowledging and expressing profound gratitude to our loyal fans for their unwavering devotion,” said Macheso.
“I am a musician graced by the love and patronage of many, but equally, I have been blessed by individuals who have showered me with their unwavering love and support.
“I could never forget those I cherish and who, in turn, uplift my spirit. My fans are, in essence, my cherished ‘bosses’, and it is my profound duty to acknowledge and shower them with love in every conceivable manner; a shout-out from the stage is but one joyful side of this appreciation.”
He continues, with a touch of humble awe: “It is truly a humbling spectacle to discern a fan in a distant crowd — perhaps in Gwanda — knowing fully well their home lies in Harare or Chipinge.
“The sheer fact that they have journeyed so far from their home to partake in our musical communion speaks volumes,” said Macheso. “Those whom I hold dear and who reciprocate that affection, their names and the genesis of our encounters are forever etched in the chambers of my memory.”
His profound love for his fans, he ardently asserts, is the very reason he unfailingly instructs his security detail to wield only the gentlest of hands.
“Though my security team is formidable in their strength, I ceaselessly impress upon them the importance of respecting our fans, our true ‘bosses’. I simply cannot stand any soul being mistreated at our performances; these entertainment spaces are meant for joyous revelry only, not fights,” explained the singer.
Bongani Ndlovu