Grief clouds Macheso’s show

Rest Mutore

SUNGURA musician Alick Macheso battled with grief on stage during his first show since the death of Orchestra Mberikwazvo vocalist, dancer and drummer, Barnabas Mandipota.

Macheso performed before a decent crowd at Zebra Village in Mbare where he confirmed what his followers had been saying all week —Barna’s death left a huge void at Orchestra Mberikwazvo.

Macheso performed some of Barna’s signature vocals on several occasions and could pause to address the crowd, his voice heavy with emotion.

“As you can see he (Barna) is no longer with us, zvakaitika nehurongwa hwavo ivo nyadenga.

“He was not just a backing vocalist, he was family. He was part of us, and you feel that a part of us is not here.

“It’s not easy, but we are here because of you and because of him,” said Macheso.

Speaking to H-Metro on the sidelines of the show, Macheso admitted that is not going to be easy for Orchestra Mberikwazvo to move on.

“As you can see, the mood on the stage is totally different. I know it’s not going to be easy, sometimes you look at his position on the stage expecting him to come in.

“And when you don’t hear his voice, reality stats to sink in, that usually Barna is no longer with us,” said Macheso.

Macheso said they will continue remembering the late vocalist during their live performances across the country as well as beyond borders.

“The stage was his office, and we will continue honouring him while we are on stage. This is also going to help us heal and really believe that he is no longer with us.

“In terms of the void, he is going to be missed. Everyone plays a different and very important role. Munhu nemhunhu ane muitiro wake and we are obviously going to miss him.”

Mandipota, a key member of Orchestra Mberikwazvo, died last weekend and a short illness and was laid to rest in Kadoma last week on Tuesday.