Online Reporter
Blessed Katiyo in DURBAN
GIVEN the tense situation in Durban, where xenophobic vigilante groups have been threatening foreigners and demanding that they leave this country, a visit by Alick Macheso turned into something more than just a musical show.
Things were so bad that, at some point, there were fears that this show was going to be cancelled.
But, the organisers, working with the local security authorities, decided to go ahead with the show, here on Friday night.
They knew they were taking a massive risk and there were genuine fears that many Zimbabweans, who were expected to attend the show, would not take the risk because of the threats posed by the vigilante groups.
However, Zimbabweans are quite a defiant lot.
And, hundreds of people defied the threats from the xenophobic vigilante groups and flocked to Game City, where the show was held, in a relatively quiet neighbourhood of Berea.
Some Zimbabweans even flew or drove from Johannesburg, just to attend the show.
The distance between the two cities is 570 kilometres.
This was a bold show of defiance, especially given that scores of people, who make up these xenophobic vigilante groups had toyi-toyed along the streets of Durban demanding that foreigners should leave this country.
Promoters Oliver Mambambamba and Oliver Noruware flew in from Harare and Johannesburg to attend the gig.
Vokal Bakasa and Bruce Cheya, of the Madirirano brand, were also in attendance.
They were not disappointed as the sungura king and his Orchestra Mberikwazvo band delivered yet another five-star performance.
“We are grateful for the fans who turned up and filled the venue. For the entire week we were expecting the worst,” said event organiser Brian “Chiyzbanks” Chiyamuro.
“There have been sporadic cases of violence and we thought fans would not pull through
“The numbers surprised us as the venue was packed to the brim.
“This happened at a time where tensions are high between locals and foreign nationals.”
It was merry night for those who came and Macheso took them down memory lane with his such as ‘Shedia’, ‘Charakupa,’ and others.
The show started with a minute of silence in honour of his late vocalist, Barnabas Mandipota, who passed away a few weeks ago.
Barnabas had become a fan favourite and had been at all shows in South Africa during tours to this country.
Security was tight and there was only one incident when a fan in the VIP section attempted to steal a bottle of whisky.
He was thoroughly disciplined by bouncers, who then threw him out of the show.
“We had an awesome time here. It is not always that we see our icon Macheso, especially here in Durban.
“And, as always, Baba Shero delivered to our expectation,” said Kudzai Kamunda, who travelled over 60 kilometres to attend the show.
Before the main show started, local DJs – Slingshot 21 and Killer Pee – warmed up the gig before Macheso took to the stage around 11pm.
He delivered a non-stop four-hour show.
After the Durban show Macheso flew down to Cape Town where he also drew another big crowd on Saturday night.
