Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
SUPERSTAR Alick Macheso says his loyal army of fans, and support from his family, have kept him going in a career spanning over three decades.
The sungura kingpin celebrated his 58th birthday yesterday.
Fellow musicians, promoters and fans have been sharing their photos, with Macheso, on social media.
The Orchestra Mberikwazvo leader, who has lost a number of his fellow musicians along the way, said it was by God’s grace that he was still alive to this day.
“To all my friends, family and fans, I can’t thank God enough for what He has done for me,” he said in a post.
“I have turned 58 years and I would like to thank God for His protection, granting me good health, His grace, and this gift of life.
“For everything I did in my life and career, you (God) gladly led and guided me through Your amazing grace.”
He also honoured his family for supporting him in everything that he has done in his life.
“Ndinotenda mhuri yangu, Orchestra Mberikwazvo, shamwari, nevateveri vangu mose muri kumativi ese enyika.
“Rudo rwenyu, minamato yenyu, uye kutsigira kwamakaita nekwamuri kuita mimhanzi yedu ndizvo zvatinosimudzirwa nazvo zuva nezuva.
“Hupenyu hwakandidzidzisa kuti munhu haayerwi nezvaanazvo, asi netsoka dzerudo, rukudzo, uye kubata vamwe zvakanaka.
“Ngatirambei tichitenda Mwari, tichidanana, uye tichivaka tariro kune ramangwana.
“Makorokoto kwandiri, asi kukunda uku ndinokugoverai mose, nekuti pasina imi handingadai ndiri pandiri nhasi.”
Macheso, who has over 30 employees at his band, is now a father figure to many of the local artists.
His fans have remained loyal to him from the time he went solo after parting ways with the late Khiama Boys founder, Madzibaba Zakaria, who died last year in December, aged 69.
Macheso is known for giving exposure to upcoming and struggling musicians.
Mutare-based sungura musician Brian Samaita, better known as Eastern Igwe, could not hide his admiration as he responded to Macheso’s birthday message:
“Happy birth, Ambassador.”
Another musician, Bernard Beeteira, described Macheso as an icon:
“Happy birthday, legend!”
A loyal fan, Nyarai Simon, said:
“Happy birthday, baba! Eish, we share the same date—10 June. Ndidzanei!”
Another fan, Kumbirai Musokeri, who hardly misses Macheso’s shows, said:
“Happy birthday to you, mambo wesungura CHESO POWER.”
Madzimai Grasia said:
“Happy birthday Ba Shero. Ndafarira shona yekuti munhu haayerwi nezvaanazvo. Munhu munhu veduwee.
“I will be turning 58 in October, saka ngatifare tichitenda Msiki nekutichengeta. Mbiri zhinji kuMsiki chokwadi.”
Macheso is a man of the people whose humility, creativity and love have endeared him to tens of thousands of fans.
As he celebrates 58 years, Macheso remains committed to serving the creative community with distinction.
