admin. . . sungura superstar hailed by Isaac Chirwa
Edwin Nhukarume
VETERAN producer and artist, Isaac Chirwa, says sungura superstar, Alick Macheso, is the Michael Jackson of Zimbabwe.
Top music producers have been sharing their sentiments on the albums released last month by Macheso and Mark Ngwazi.
Since the release of Ngwazi’s album, Nharo Nezvine Nharo, the debate has centred on a comparison with Tinosvitswa Nashe by Macheso.
The debate has been mostly inspired by those favouring Ngwazi with the comparison between the two musicians being restricted to the latest albums and not the careers of the artists.
“I’m still to listen to both albums,” said Chirwa.
“Just off the top of my head, it will be very hard for any sungura musicians/bands to unseat Macheso from the sungura throne.
“The man is something else, he really takes his time working on a project.
“Stage wise, he is our own Michael Jackson or better because he sings, dances and plays guitar at the same time.
“This is very unique and unusual, mind you I have not compared the two yet I just gave you my opinion on Cheso Power.
“This other guy must’ve done something good to be compared to Cheso, I am really looking forward to listening to him and hearing his album.”
Clive “Mono” Mukundu, said he was caught up with college work and was still to listen to both albums.
“Sorry, I have been busy with my degree with MSU, so I haven’t listened to any of the two albums,” said Mono.
Music producer, Maselo, believes Ngwazi fared better than Macheso who did many experiments with his project.
“I listened to both albums. Honestly speaking, I am liking Mark’s album because it was well produced.
The production is good.
“I am not saying Macheso did not do well, his album is good but it seems he did too many experiments and tried to create something new since many artists were copying him.
“You know he is a legend.
“It is also surprising that both albums were done by one producer, but it sounds as if Mark’s album was done by another producer.
“I think Macheso tried to alter and play around with his project.
The Macheso camp seems to be controlling on their album.
“However, it’s not bad to experiment. I think with time we will get to adjust to the new Macheso sound.”
One of the renowned producers, Oscar Charamba, also concurred with Maselo that the sungura kingpin could have done better.
“On these current albums, both Ngwazi and Macheso did well but I feel Macheso could have sorted just a few things better.
“Analysing the rhythm section, mixing and vocals, he could have done better.
“It sounds like the songs were mixed at different studios, I am not sure with the mixing done on the songs, Imfa Ndimulandi, that kanindo like song and Nzendo Dzirefu, otherwise the rest sounds better.
“On the rhythm section, I am not so sure about the rhythm guitar, I feel they did not deliver well.
“Macheso on the bass and the lead guitarist were on point for sure. Macheso should now consider lowering his keys just a bit so as not to strain that high backing voice which is now sounding unnatural, but otherwise this one is a better album than the previous one he did.
“On Mark, I feel he did well, his vocals are on point and he sounds flexible, yes, Macheso is a legend, but Mark worked hard.”
The other producer, Peter Muparutsa said people should focus on enjoying music and be grateful to witness this new era in sungura.
“We should be grateful that we have been blessed with a good sungura season after a somewhat long dry spell.
“Be thankful for the current bumper harvest,” he said.
Online Reporter