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has become the talking point with some fans accusing the sungura icon of snubbing Chiyangwa during his hour of need.
Chiyangwa, who was affectionately known as Jimmy Jimalo or simply Futumuka Fulangenge, died of cancer and was buried at his rural home in Zvimba a fortnight ago.
For long, Macheso or simply Extrabasso had been good friends with Jimmy Jimalo who helped him during his formative years.
So close were Extrabasso and Jimalo that the musician once included the name of the late businessman in the lines of one of his songs, singing: “Jimmy Jimalo tamba iwe . . . tamba . . .”
Eyebrows were therefore raised when Extrabasso failed to turn up at the burial.
Traditionally, one is supposed to attend a friend’s funeral until they are buried.
Extrabasso or his manager William Tsandukwa were nowhere near Zvimba on the day of the burial and instead, they sent some members of the Orchestra Mberikwazvo, Franics “Slomo” Dhaka, Jonas Kasamba and Jethro Machanja, who doubles as assistant manager and bouncer.
“Mudhara haana kukwanisa kuuya mai vake varikurwara saka arikufarm (Macheso could not attend the burial because his mother who stays at the farm is seriously ill),” said Machanja.
Many of his fans thought Extrabasso would spring up a surprise at the burial in Zvimba since he had failed to make it during the massive two-day funeral wake in Highfield.
Even some of his ardent fans have through The Herald SMS platform expressed concern over Extrabasso’s no show at Jimalo’s burial.
“I agree with Muchemwa, where was Macheso at Jimmy Jimalo’s funeral?” asked one reader.
While Extrabasso was not present at the burial, fellow musicians came for Jimalo’s send-off.
The burial, which was marked by pomp and fanfare, was attended by popular musicians including Oliver Mtukudzi, Nicholas Zakaria, Tongai Moyo, the Chimbetus – Allan, Tryson and Suluman – as well as First Farai.
Online Reporter