Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
SUNGURA ace, Alick Macheso has urged motorists to exercise caution on the roads, emphasising that the festive season is not a new aspect of the calendar.
The 57-year-old legend, who has been actively campaigning against drunk driving and reckless behaviour, believes self-control is the essential remedy needed during this festive period.
Speaking to Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub on the sidelines of his family show at the Steak House Bar & Grill in Waterfalls, Harare, on Sunday, Macheso expressed concern over the high number of accidents that occur during this time of the year.
“To be honest with you, I am worried when I see the number of accidents recorded during this period. I don’t understand why people tend to become overly excited and lose focus while driving. It pains me to lose a fan or a fellow citizen in an accident that could easily be avoided,” he emphasised.
The Orchestra Mberikwazvo frontman said he would never stop campaigning against negligent driving.
“I am one person who holds at least three shows every week, and some of the people travel long distances to come and see me perform live on stage.
“I always pray that the same faces that attend my shows will continue showing up because I need them. It pains me to hear that one of my fans has died coming from my show because I value life.”
Macheso urged motorists to engage drivers with sober habits if they are partying heavily during the festive season.
“I always tell my boy that the festive season and Christmas will always be there, and that we found it here, which shocks me when people misbehave during this period.
“To be honest, there is nothing new about Christmas and the festive season that should drive people crazy. Let’s just treat every holiday as it is and not get too excited because we need each other,” he stressed. Macheso, who is undoubtedly one of the busiest musicians in Zimbabwe, described the year 2025 as a memorable season.
“I can’t thank God enough for what He has done for me because I can see His hand in whatever I do in life. For your information, we have held at least three shows per week since January, and in whatever we did, we saw the hand of the Lord and His grace.
To think that I employ more than 25 members who look up to me, I can only thank God who makes things happen,” he shared.
Macheso, who will be celebrating his diamond jubilee in three years time, revealed that he feels like a teenager each time he takes to the stage.
“I might be ageing and everything, but each time I take to the stage, I am a beast and a different person altogether. For your information, I approach each show differently, and the energy levels vary with each outing that I have.
“I don’t have a template that one can predict, and that is why my fans enjoy my shows. I am not bragging; I am humbled by the appreciation and respect I receive,” he stated.
Macheso also praised his staff for their loyalty to the brand.
“I am blessed to have a loyal workforce that values their work all the time. This alone has made my job easier, and I will always cherish them for being there for me and our brand. I have a lot of faith in my troupes because they complement me, which has made our brand huge and respectable. I will always defend my troupes, which is why I trust and stand by them; they have defended this brand vigilantly,” he stressed.
Meanwhile, Macheso’s family show at the Steak House lived up to expectations, as fellow musicians supported him on the day he needed them most.
Afro-fusion musician Andy Muridzo showed his versatility as he sang along with Macheso when he belted out the track “Petunia,” much to the delight of fans.
He surprised many with his vigour and confidence, leaving the audience in awe.
Afro-pop diva Sarah Dee also took to the stage with her entire group, saluting Macheso on a day that set the tone for the festive season ahead.
Fellow musicians Simon Mutambi, Lady Storm and Peter Moyo were also in attendance at the venue, honouring Macheso, who is now a father figure to the current crop of youngsters.
“Macheso will remain a father figure to us, and that is why we saluted him and always attend his family shows whenever we are free.
“We stand a high chance of learning from him because he is a legend, and we all know what he has achieved over the years. We don’t need to be reminded of how great he is,” Mutambi pointed out.
Suluman Chimbetu’s band members were also in attendance, while Jean Master, who was the curtain raiser, left fans clamouring for more.
