Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts, Entertainment Hub
ALICK Macheso’s camp has expressed openness to collaborating with artistes from various genres, provided they share a common vision.
To date, Macheso has successfully partnered with Zimdancehall stars Freeman and Seh Calaz, as well as gospel sensation Dorcas Moyo, with more collaborations on the horizon.
The next project featuring Macheso will be a collaboration with Vee Mhofu, whose real name is Virimai Nhedega. Notably, both artistes hail from Mashonaland Central province. Their partnership will be highlighted this Saturday during a double performance at the Brace Night Club in Goromonzi, Mashonaland East. In an interview, Macheso’s publicist, Tichaona Makahamadze, confirmed their partnership with Vee Mhofu’s camp.
“We have always maintained and expressed our desire to collaborate with artistes from other genres as long as we agree on working terms and share the same vision,” stressed Makahamadze. “These collaborations range from studio commitments and recordings to live shows. Over the years, we have worked with several musicians, including those in Dendera (Tryson Chimbetu), Zimdancehall (Freeman), gospel (Dorcas Moyo), and many others. We were the first sungura outfit to collaborate with the late Beatar Mangethe before she passed away.”
Macheso’s camp spoke glowingly about Vee Mhofu’s professionalism and respect for his elders. “We have never encountered problems with him because he respects others and his professional conduct is outstanding.
The way he carries himself, both in public and in private, has made him very professional. Performing alongside him in Goromonzi would be a plus for both camps because he is also a crowd puller,” he emphasised. With the Goromonzi double performance fast approaching, Macheso, who will be visiting the venue for the first time, was in high spirits.
“Performing at a new venue is always exciting, and our duty is to deliver to the best of our abilities. We are looking forward to this event, and we can assure fans they will get value for their money. As for the joint proprietors, we are humbled by their gesture in inviting us for this particular show, which means a lot to us,” he pointed out.
Makahamadze revealed that they had discussed recording a single together with Vee Mhofu to cement their relationship.
“Baba Sharon is a difficult guy, but he has always loved to cherish his kith and kin. With Vee Mhofu, they can meet anytime to work on their projects together. After all, Baba Sharon considers him like a brother because of where they come from.”
In another interview, Vee Mhofu was over the moon to be collaborating with Macheso. “To be honest, I always enjoy every moment that I meet him and get the chance to share the stage with him. He is a kind man who has uplifted many artistes, yet he remains humble. In my case, I feel privileged to come from the same area, and the distance between my place and his should be less than 15 km since we both hail from Shamva,” he stated.
“I am not going to take advantage of being close to him, but I have approached him in a professional manner.
“We have a lot planned that will be coming soon. We want to be remembered for all the good things we have done to uplift the community of Shamva and the entire province.” Speaking ahead of their joint show, Vee Mhofu could not hide his elation.
“Performing with Macheso is known for creating lasting memories and people from Goromonzi and surrounding areas should come anticipating a polished show. I have been filling that venue on my own, and this time we are holding the gig in the garden to accommodate more people. It will be a great experience for us to have the opportunity to perform alongside Macheso,” he stated. Vee Mhofu hailed Macheso as a national treasure and living legend with plenty to offer.
“He has nothing to prove, having been in the game for years. We all know his history with Madzibaba Nicholas Zakaria before he went on to form his outfit more than 25 years ago, which is still ruling the roost.
We are blessed to be living in these exciting times with him as our mentor and father figure in showbiz,” he added.
Brace Night Club manager Taurai Matope told Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub that they were ready for a big night of fun.
“As the hosts of the show, we are more than ready to host this event. It will be a celebration for mbira and sungura under one roof at our joint. As a hospitality hub, Brace Night Club has also hosted several other musicians, including Suluman Chimbetu, Kurai Makore, Sasha Amadhube, Mark Ngwazi and DJ Fantan, among others.
Online Reporter