Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
FORMER Orchestra Mberikwazvo dancer, William “Kachule” Dangirwa, says life has become very tough for him since he left the sungura outfit.
The 43-year-old father of four is now eking out a living as a brick moulder.
Kachule’s transition from being one of the celebrated dancers in the star-studded Orchestra Mberikwazvo to moulding bricks for a living has touched the hearts of many, as he now appeals for a second chance to return to the outfit.
Speaking to Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub, Kachule said he was struggling to make ends meet, adding that his departure from the band on medical grounds has significantly changed his fortunes.
“Life has never been the same since I left the group on medical grounds,” Kachule told Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub.
“My feet used to get swollen and I suspect that I could have been bewitched by haters because we are surrounded by enemies, both in our communities and at the workplace.
“My only wish is to be reunited with my favourite employer and father figure, Alick Macheso, who spotted me from the back of beyond. “I still miss those days when I used to be pampered with cash on stage and paid well at Orchestra Mberikwazvo.”
Despite earning a living as a brick moulder, Kachule admitted that his circumstances had deteriorated to the point where he now depended on charitable assistance.
“A beggar is not a chooser and I am willing to accept food handouts from the public.
“Rusape is my rural home but I do not see any opportunities there, especially since my family is here in Harare. “I kindly appeal to Baba Macheso to take me back because I have fallen on hard times.”
He added that he had been in contact with Macheso’s management but was still waiting for a positive response.
“I have been in touch with Macheso’s management but it is taking a long time for me to be reunited with my father figure, should the opportunity arise.
“Who wouldn’t want to work for Macheso, where careers are transformed for the better?
“I simply want the management to take me back because life is tough here.” However, a senior member of Macheso’s management disputed Kachule’s account, insisting that the former dancer had left the band voluntarily.
“We know him very well, but he decided to leave his job on his own,” the management representative said.
“He was neither fired nor demoted. He simply advised us that he was no longer interested in the job on short notice.
“We were shocked because he was part of us but we cannot assist him in any way now. To us, our ‘marriage’ is over, and we have moved on without him.” The management representative also made it clear that Kachule’s former position had long been filled.
“There is no vacancy for him at the moment because he decided to leave on his own terms. He was never forced to leave. He simply advised us that he was no longer interested in the band.
“We had to fill the void, but we are doing well without him, and life goes on.
“For your own information, there are several other former band members, whose names I will withhold, who are constantly asking to return to work.
“Some of them left in acrimony, while others departed on good terms. This remains a cause for concern for us.”
