Online Reporter
Trust Khosa-Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
ALICK MACHESO may be a humble man, yet he is an influential figure whose career was shaped in places one can hardly imagine.
The sungura ace’s journey began in the farming community of Shamva, before moving to Dzivaresekwa, Harare — another agricultural stronghold back in the day.
As an adult, he briefly settled in Epworth, a former farming settlement, and later in Chitungwiza, a popular dormitory town.
Macheso appears to hold a special affection for Chitungwiza, despite owning a house in Waterfalls, Harare.
Nevertheless, his love for farming and the places of his up-bringing still reigns supreme, as he cherishes the friendships he has maintained over the years.
Throughout February, Macheso has been engaging with his peers in the community, both as an individual and by holding large shows.
Ultimately, the bottom line is that the Orchestra Mberikwazvo boss’ unwavering love for the places that helped him rise to fame remains unparalleled.
His publicist, Tichaona Makahamadze, remarked to Zimpapers that Macheso is a man of the people who never forgets his roots, even as he has become a national treasure.
“Our boss is a simple guy who started from the bottom before becoming the household name he is today,” Makahamadze stressed. “Whenever he gets some time off, he drives to Shamva to spend time with his peers with whom he grew up. He simply loves Shamva to bits because that’s where it all began and makes sure that he has a show for his fans in the area.
“If he is not performing, he will be hanging around with old friends, catching up about life, which has made him a man of the people. If the leader is the man of the people, automatically, Orchestra Mberikwazvo qualifies to be called a “band of the people” or “band revanhu” as people call it.”
Makahamadze noted that Macheso’s journey would be incomplete without mentioning Dzivaresekwa in Harare, which gave him life. “Baba Sharo has a strong affection for Dzivaresekwa, where he not only learned to play the guitar under the tutelage of Shepherd Chinyani but also established himself as a mice (mbeva) hunter.
He hunted down mice around the Chesa area, where we now have Padziva and Camp Caravan. He will be performing there on Friday (today) after we last visited the area last October.
“The last time we visited the area to erect a community borehole, he broke down in tears recalling his childhood and youth in the area,” he shared.
Makahamadze added: “Each time he talks about his stories from Dzivaresekwa Extension and his shenanigans with peers around the Chesa area, he becomes emotional.
“I think that was the reason why he broke down when he came last year, and we hope the same script won’t happen again on Friday when we visit the area (Padziva Camp and Caravan). He has a special bond and good friends with people in the area, and that is why he is so beloved.”
Regarding Chitungwiza, Makahamadze revealed that the place also has a special affection for him.
“He stayed there for many years, and he knows each and every corner, which has made him a darling of the town. He owns some properties there, which is why he loves the area that has given him fame.
“By the way, we have a studio there, and our administrative offices are run from there, which has made us respect Chitungwiza. In other words, he also deserves the title of Mr Chitungwiza,” joked the revered publicist who has been in the game for years.
Away from Chitungwiza, Macheso loves Epworth, where he performed dearly this month.
“With many revellers uncomfortable to while away time in Epworth, we will make sure that we perform there because the place has lost a lot of his fans. What we only do is beef up security; otherwise, Epworth is one of his special areas. On his list of preferred places, Chivhu is also there since he runs a farm in the area,” he said.
Adored by many countrywide in both urban and rural areas, Macheso hasn’t forgotten the places that gave him both fame and fortune.
Shamva, Dzivaresekwa, Chitungwiza and Epworth top the list.
