Online Reporter
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
Sungura musician Alick Macheso is a worried man.
His heart bleeds for the growing number of his trusted band members, who are battling different health issues – threatening to silence the music that had become their lives.
Macheso poured out his heart to his fans during his recent show in Harare when dancer Selemani ‘‘Majuicy’’ Mpochi appeared on stage after over a month-long hiatus, just to greet fans.
As the crowd erupted into cheers and applause, Macheso’s usual energetic smile was not there and there was a strong hint of concern. He took a deep breath, and with a gentle strum of his guitar, he began to speak from the heart.
“Those who have been asking about Majuicy’s whereabouts, you have seen him. But he is not here to perform, he is still unwell, makumbo ake achiri akamubata and the doctor said he should be get enough rest. Hanzi mabhonzo haasi kuita zvakanaka” Macheso addressed the crowd.
Macheso’s concerns do not stop there. He also addressed the issue of Tafi Nyamunda, another guitarist who has gone blind and now requires assistance with daily tasks.
Speaking to H-Metro on the sidelines the show, Macheso said he is now worried with the trend.
“This is now getting me worried, this is not only about Majuicy, we also Tafi Nyamunda as you know, he has gone blind, aitomboona zvakanaka mufunge. It’s a sad situation and he now needs assistance kuita zvakawanda,” said Macheso.
Despite his condition, Nyamunda continues to perform with the help of other band members, who assist him on and off the stage.
Macheso’s worries go beyond Nyamunda and Majuicy, as several other band members suffered similar health setbacks.
Vocalist Elton Muropa, who has been on the sidelines for several months now, joining Lucky Mumiriki who never returned to the stage after suffering a stroke back in 2011.
“There is also Elton Muropa who has been ill for some time now. We just hope and pray that he recovers and join the rest of the team.”
“At one point we thought Lucky Mumiriki had recovered but stroke yacho yakabva yamurova futi. It’s something that always gets me worried,” said Macheso.
Another band member Taurai Miti, better known as Ponda Ponda in the music circles, was involved in a road traffic accident around 2020 and now relies on a wheelchair
Macheso has been contributing to the welfare of all these band members – including Mumiriki who last performed with the band over a decade ago.
“We will continue trying our best to make sure that their welfare is being taken care of. Of course we might fail to do everything asi chishuwo ndechekuti mhuri dzavo dzirarame. Tafi (Nyamunda) we tried to our best to restore his sight but it’s unfortunate. Mwari vakaita kuda kwavo,” Macheso told H-Metro.
Ponda Ponda praised the sungura for his kindness saying, “since I was involved in an accident during the Covid-19 period, mdhara Macheso has been taking care of me. From rentals, food and a lot of other issues.
“He is not doing this only to me, but all the other guys who are not well. I also want to thank his management for understanding and still consider us as part of them.”
