Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
ALICK MACHESO is more than a music superstar — he is a cultural institution whose remarkable journey has inspired generations of Zimbabweans.
For more than four decades in the music industry and 28 years as a solo artiste, the sungura icon has consistently raised the bar, touching millions of lives through his timeless music, philanthropy, and unwavering commitment to Zimbabwe’s creative sector.
His extraordinary rise from humble beginnings to becoming one of the country’s greatest musicians is a story of resilience, sacrifice, and excellence.
From his early days as a community dancer in Shamva and later working as a mice hunter in Dzivaresekwa, Harare, where he honed his guitar playing skills under the guidance of Shepherd “Teacher” Chinyani, Macheso always displayed exceptional talent and determination.
His breakthrough came during his years with Khiama Boys under the late sungura legend Madzibaba Nicholas Zakaria.
After leaving the group in 1998 to pursue a solo career, Macheso embarked on a remarkable journey that transformed him into Zimbabwe’s undisputed sungura torch-bearer.
With Orchestra Mberikwazvo, he has enjoyed an unparalleled career, breaking records, filling venues across the country and beyond, and earning a reputation as one of Zimbabwe’s finest musicians.
His success as a chart-topper, crowd-puller, philanthropist, and mentor has cemented his place among the nation’s greatest cultural icons.
It is against this background that the inaugural Cheso Power Festival, set for tomorrow at Alex Sports Club in Harare, carries immense significance.
Organised by leading music promoter Partson “Chipaz” Chimbodza of Chipaz Promotions in partnership with Macheso’s management, the festival is more than just another musical event. It is a celebration of an extraordinary legacy while its owner is still alive to witness the appreciation.
That is what makes the festival unique.
Unlike many African music festivals that honour legends posthumously, the Cheso Power Festival celebrates a living icon whose contribution to Zimbabwean music continues to shape the industry.
At 58, and after more than 40 years in professional music, Macheso has earned every accolade that comes his way.
The festival acknowledges not only his longevity but also his immense influence on generations of musicians and fans.
Across Africa, legendary musicians are remembered through festivals established after their deaths.
In Nigeria, Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti is celebrated through Felabration, an annual week-long festival founded in 1998 by his daughter Yeni Kuti.
The event honours the late music icon’s life and legacy and attracts thousands of fans from around the world.
Tanzania hosts the Ongala Music Festival in Bagamoyo, named after legendary musician Remmy Ongala. The festival celebrates East African music and showcases emerging talent while preserving Ongala’s enduring legacy.
Back home, the Oliver Mtukudzi International Festival of the Arts (OMIFA) commemorates the life and works of the late music legend Oliver Mtukudzi.
Held annually at Pakare Paye Arts Centre in Norton, it celebrates his birthday and his immense contribution to African music.
While these festivals have become important cultural celebrations, they all honour departed legends.
The Cheso Power Festival seeks to rewrite that narrative by celebrating a legend who is still making history.
Credit must go to Chimbodza and Macheso’s management for embracing the idea of honouring the sungura maestro during his lifetime.
Although uncertainty surrounds the participation of South African star Makhadzi, born Ndivhudzannyi Ralivhona, following the recent xenophobic unrest in South Africa, the festival still boasts a formidable line-up.
Freeman, Peter Moyo, Kurai Makore, Ndolwane Super Sounds, Bling 4, Xiba, Chillspot Family, Tocky Vibes, and Killer T are among the artistes expected to celebrate one of Zimbabwe’s greatest musical ambassadors.
Beyond the entertainment, the Cheso Power Festival sends a powerful message: Zimbabwe must celebrate and appreciate its heroes while they are still alive.
“We all know the path that he has travelled, his achievements and his influence, hence this festival is very special to him,” Macheso’s publicist, Tichaona Makahamadze, said.
Chimbodza echoed the same sentiments.
“We need to honour our legends and celebrate them while they are still with us.
“We should not wait until they are gone before appreciating them. We must make sure they feel loved and valued.
“We were all inspired by Macheso’s music, so why not celebrate him now?”
The National Arts Council of Zimbabwe has also endorsed the festival, reinforcing its long-standing call for Zimbabweans to honour outstanding creatives during their lifetime.
For a man who has mentored countless musicians, revived the careers of veteran artistes and positively impacted millions through his music, the Cheso Power Festival is more than a celebration.
It is a timely acknowledgement of a living legend whose influence continues to shape Zimbabwe’s musical landscape, and hopefully, it marks the beginning of a new culture of celebrating the nation’s icons while they are still alive.
