Online Reporter
“It is not the first time that I am trying something new with my hair. I have always done this from the time I embarked on my music career over 40 years ago. I have done Afro, perm and box cut, but I have not been cutting my hair of late. I have been plaiting it, and I’m loving every bit of it.” — Alick Macheso
Prince Mushawevato
Society Editor
SUNGURA virtuoso Alick Macheso is one man who is never shy to fully express himself, both on and off stage.
He simply calls a spade a spade.
Above all, he is someone who stands firm in what he believes in.
While Taruvinga “Sugar Sugar” Manjokota’s runaway hit “Mudododo” is currently dominating the local music scene, Macheso has also kept fans talking, not only through his pulsating live gigs but with the unusual and fancy hairdos.
When he introduced a bold new hairstyle last year, he sent social media into a frenzy.
The dramatic switch took most people by surprise, including his manager.
What many thought was a fleeting fashion statement has since morphed into a lifestyle, with the singer visibly enjoying every moment of it.
The veteran sungura artiste now sports a new hairstyle for every show, adopting different plaiting patterns.
He now typically takes to the stage wearing headgear, which, most often than not, prompts energetic chants of “bvisa, bvisa, bvisa!” (Take it off!) from his loyal fans.
At the current rate, some believe the conservative, traditional hair cut that defined Macheso’s look for years may now be a thing of the past.
Speaking in an interview with The Sunday Mail Entertainment, Macheso said he feels “bubbly” and refreshed with his latest look.
“It is not the first time that I am trying something new with my hair,” said Macheso.
“I have always done this from the time I embarked on my music career over 40 years ago.
“I have done Afro, perm and box cut, but I have not been cutting my hair of late. I have been plaiting it, and I am loving every bit of it.”
Nowadays, when his hair is not plaited, he wears a perm, freeze or Afro.
While some praise the “Charakupa” hitmaker for his evolving fashion sense — also noticeable through his new-found taste for trendy sneakers — others feel he is losing the plot.
However, international stars like Sean Paul, Snoop Dogg and R. Kelly — all in their 50s — regularly sport similar fancy hairdos.
“I was born an artiste and what I do is pure art. I live art every day of my life,” declared Macheso.
“I understand that some people love what I do while others may hate it for one reason or another, but ultimately, I have to do what makes me happy.”
The veteran musician believes that a person’s appearance doesn’t change their character.
“Kunyangwe ukaita musvu-u (even if you have a bald head), if you are not a person of upright moral virtue, you will remain that way,” he explained.
“A person is not defined by their hairdo, but by what they carry in their heart and mind.”
He also emphasised the need for tolerance for other people’s choices.
“Personally, I have never tried to dictate or manage the lives of my fans in any way.
“I travel far and wide for shows and personal business, meeting people from all walks of life.
“Never have I dismissed someone because of their dressing, hairstyle or how they look.”
Some fans are even calling on the sungura maestro to pen a song about his new look.
“There have been calls from fans for me to do a song about the hairstyles, but I feel that is not necessary,” he said.
“This is simply a personal choice that I do not need to make a big fuss about. Social media platforms like TikTok are where people make noise about such things, not music — that is a serious trade that deserves respect.”
Meanwhile, the musician’s manager and publicist, Tich Makahamadze, says he was initially against the new look.
“It took a bit of time for me to come to terms with this new hairstyle,” revealed Makahamadze.
“Actually, the first time he appeared in that style, I was just as shocked as everyone else.
“I tried to convince him to drop it, but to no avail. But I realised he was so comfortable with it.
“Just like many of his fans, I have since come to terms with the look and now actually find it interesting. I guess we just need to let him express himself freely.”
