Online Reporter
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
ALICK Macheso, who turned 57 on Tuesday, has come a long way in his musical adventure and he acknowledges he would not have been the superstar that he is today without the support of his family.
Macheso was born on June 10, 1968, in Shamva.
This week, as he celebrated his latest birthday with his fans at a family show at Steak House Pub & Grill in Adbernnie, Harare, Macheso chose the platform to thank his wife Nyadzisai for her lifelong support.
“I want to thank my wife, Nyadzisai Butau-Macheso, for her love and everything she has done for me.
“To be honest, this milestone means a lot to me as a band leader, family man, and visionary.
“I can only be grateful to God for all these years, and the gift of life, as well as seeing my kids grow. I am also grateful to my family members who have been there for me.
“I salute the Orchestra Mberikwazvo outfit, which comprises 36 members, translating into 36 households.”
Macheso has been mentoring his boys, Esau and Tatenda, to help them transform from being boys to men.
It wasn’t the same for him as he suffered at the hands of his parents, when he was still a boy, because they didn’t want him to venture into music.
They only stopped the beating after realising that it was his calling.
“My parents did not want me to venture into music.
“I used to get beaten until they realised that it was my calling. I don’t want to do that with my kids.
“I did not force them into music. They approached me with the idea and I have only been supportive.
“But of late I have started pushing them hard without necessarily stressing them.
“I want the two to develop fast and gain confidence. Tatenda appears to have more composure than Esau. Probably it is because Esau tends to concentrate too much on the guitar than the crowd.
“I have in the past never bothered to watch them perform live.
“My criticism coupled with that of fans will make them strong.”
At a time when he is fighting internal band wars that have affected his Orchestra Mberikwazvo outfit, Alick Macheso has something to smile about.
Ten years ago, Macheso had a double celebration when his first born child Sharon gave birth to a baby girl, a week after his second born child Esau was blessed with a son.
“Children are a blessing and it is every parent’s wish to see his grandchildren,” he said at the time.
“I arrived at the maternity home only to hear that the child was named after my wife. At the same time Esau named his son after me.”
Life has thrown a lot at Macheso throughout his journey. He has spoken of the considerable pain he suffered when music legend Dr Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi, whom he considered a close friend, died.
Then, there was another big blow which came when he lost his sungura companion, Tongai Moyo, in 2011.
“I’m losing friends, peers in music and naturally zvinoita kuti udzamise pfungwa.”
But, he is still around and as long as he can still sing and dance and, of course, play that bass guitar, we are assured that Baba Sharo will continue producing great hits.
His fanbase has never wilted and, in fact, it continues to even explode.
“I think what is different and special about Macheso is that he is just like the ordinary guy who lives next door,” said a music analyst who chose not to be named because of his interests in the affairs of another top musician.
“He is like the guy you meet when you go to Mbare Musika to get some vegetables, the guy you meet when you walk down First Street and the guy you will six next too when you go to the stadium to watch a soccer match.
“There are no airs about him, just a simple man from Chitungwiza who was given a special talent by God and what you see is what you get.
“Some musicians, when they reach a certain stage of stardom, begin to think like they are more special but Macheso has remained very humble.
“Fans love that and he doesn’t need to come up with another big hit because his legacy is secure. Shedia alone is enough for a legacy.”
