Online Reporter
Liberty Dube
Entertainment Correspondent
SUNGURA maestro, Alick Macheso, will take to the stage at Mandel Leisure Centre in Watsomba on Unity Day Eve, Sunday, December 21, in an emotional performance dedicated to the late sungura legend and long-time collaborator, Nicholas “Madzibaba” Zakaria, who was laid to rest last Sunday.
The show will be Macheso’s first performance outside Harare following Zakaria’s passing and comes at a time when the sungura fraternity is still mourning one of its founding pillars.
Zakaria and Macheso share a musical history stretching back more than four decades, dating to their formative years at Khiama Boys, before Macheso later formed Orchestra Mberikwazvo.
Describing Zakaria as a mentor and trailblazer, Macheso said Sunday’s performance will go beyond entertainment, serving as a tribute to a man who helped shape the sungura genre and influenced generations of musicians.
“Of course, it is an emotional show, and we will take time to honour Madzibaba. He was a sungura doyen. He showed us the way, and we will celebrate his life through music,” said the Macheso camp.
The concert also marks a significant milestone for Macheso as it will be his first appearance at Mandel Leisure Centre following the release of his latest album, Kupa Kuturika.
With a career spanning more than three decades, the sungura icon is expected to deliver a rich blend of timeless classics and new material.
Fans can look forward to sing-along favourites such as Mundikumbuke, Shedia, Sarah and Madhawu — songs that have defined Macheso’s legacy and earned him a loyal following across generations.
True to form, Macheso promised a high-energy and memorable performance.
“I am coming to merry-make with my fans in style. End-of-year shows are special because people want to celebrate life, achievements and survival. I will be giving them a full dose of entertainment, both the old songs they love and the new music that speaks to where we are today,” said Macheso, speaking through his manager, Tich Makahamadze.
Macheso will headline the End of Year concert alongside Zim-dancehall star, Seh Calaz, in what promises to be one of the biggest festive season entertainment highlights.
The show will also feature performances by Bev and the Sexy Angels, adding colour and diversity to a line-up designed to appeal to a wide audience.
Show organiser and venue owner, Lovemore “Luve” Mandimutsira, described securing Macheso for the end-of-year bash as a major coup, saying the event reflects his vision of turning Mandel Leisure Centre into a premier entertainment destination.
“Having Alick Macheso for an end-of-year bash is epic. He is a living legend whose music cuts across age groups and social backgrounds. When Macheso is on the bill, you know the show carries weight. This is the kind of event people will talk about long after December is over,” he said.
Mandimutsira added that bringing together artistes from different genres was a deliberate move. “We want this venue to be a home of big shows and unforgettable moments. Hosting Macheso, Seh Calaz, Bev and the Sexy Angels on one stage is part of that vision. Fans can expect a great atmosphere, tight security and quality sound,” he said.
For Seh Calaz, the concert represents an emotional return to Watsomba.
The dancehall artiste, who has been in the industry for more than two decades, said the show is both a celebration of his journey and a reconnection with his roots.
In a move set to excite fans, Seh Calaz will perform with a live band, a departure from the usual dancehall set-up. He believes the live instrumentation will add depth, energy and a fresh feel to his performance.
