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ALICK Macheso says he will continue weaning off youngsters who need his expertise.
The 54-year-old reckons upcoming artists need mentorship and grooming as they weave their way to the top. He opened up on the sidelines of the Sungura Blast Festival at the Harare International Conference Centre on Saturday.
“I was helped by fellow musicians when I was young and I feel I need to do the same as a way of returning the favour.
“As top artists, we need to develop a culture of helping each other and stop being selfish,” he said.
The Orchestra Mberikwazvo boss, who passed through the tutelage of Shepherd Chinyani and Madzibaba Nicholas Zakaria, said he was also willing to give struggling artists exposure during live shows.
“I have been holding a series of live shows alongside young and seasoned artists.
“This is the best way I can assist youngsters.
“I have helped the likes of Tendai Dembo, Tryson Chimbetu, Tedious Muchapedza Matsito Junior, Paul Mpofu Junior, among others. I feel happy when I see some of my products shining out there, which is a clear indication that I am doing something good,” said Macheso.
He is now grooming his sons Esau and Tatenda.
He added: “However, I would like to urge aspiring artists to be disciplined and desist from drug and substance abuse.
“Drug abuse is the new cancer that we need to fight as a united front since most young musicians are being caught in this web.
“We can’t afford to let our youngsters perish, as a result of drug abuse, when they can easily get help from the elders.”
Macheso put on a polished performance at HICC despite poor attendance.
Macheso said he was not deterred by poor attendance.
“I have decided to give it all to those who came here because they value our jobs,” he said.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter