Trust Khosa-Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
WHILE social media has had its fun at his expense, Sungura legend Alick Macheso, is having the last laugh.
He has taken the jokes in his stride and turning viral catchphrases associated with him into crowd-pleasing features during his live performances.
For much of this year, it was the Sungura ace’s ever-changing hairstyles that dominated social media conversations.
After making headlines for his emotional speech at Wicknell Chivayo’s funeral wake, where he repeatedly used the phrase “pamusoroi vabereki, pamusoroi vana baba,”, Macheso has since turned it into a signature line whenever he takes to the stage.
He left revellers in stitches last Friday at Padziva Caravan & Camp when he used the same phrase at the commemoration of the late sungura icon Tongai “Dhewa” Moyo .
“Atanga futi kuti, ‘pamusoroi mudhara wedu uyu,” he quipped, drawing laughter from the crowd.
Macheso’s sense of humour was evident throughout the event.
But, beneath the jokes was a message about embracing life, avoiding unnecessary pressure and treating others with kindness. After weathering social media trolling following Chivayo’s funeraL, the phrase appears to have become part of his stage repertoire.
“We need to embrace every moment in life and celebrate it without worrying too much about what happens next.
“Don’t put yourself under pressure in life. Just live your life and don’t cause other people to cry,” he added.
Turning to the main programme of Dhewa’s commemoration, Macheso delivered a vintage performance.
Beyond the music, he expressed his wish to see Dhewa’s children remain united and preserve their father’s legacy.
“Dhewa was a man of peace and a perfectionist when it came to music production and live shows.
“I still miss him because we complemented each other. Not being able to see him in person is one of the things I dearly miss about Tongai Moyo,” he said.
Macheso likened death to a journey in which passengers may board the same bus but disembark at different destinations.
“In this life, we are like passengers travelling on a bus. We may board together, but we get off at different stops. “Just as passengers disembark at different stations, so it is with life. We never know when death will come and take one of our own,” he said.
He also praised Peter Moyo for his bold decision to exchange his football boots and shin pads for a guitar following his father’s death 15 years ago.
“I am also proud that his son Peter has managed to keep the name going.
“Imagine, he transitioned from being a footballer to a musician. Think of all the benefits that come with playing football overseas when one makes a breakthrough.
“Anyway, we all make plans, but God has the final say in life.
“As we celebrate Tongai Moyo’s legacy, we should not expect Peter and his siblings, Tongai Junior and Tanaka, to sound like their father.
“In my case, my sons, Esau and Tatenda, will never be exactly like me. We should let them run their own races and reinvent themselves.” He added:
“When I see Dhewa’s children, I also see mine. As such, I just pray that they remain united.
“I pray that Tongai continues to guide his children wherever he is. That alone should be good news for them,” he said.
First Farai, who was also inspired by Dhewa, also performed at the event.
“When Peter Moyo invited me, I did not think twice. In fact, I cancelled my own shows to honour this commitment.
“Peter asked me to be here and I came to support him.
“I do not even want payment because this is a family issue we are talking about,” he said.
