Macheso’s mum, his rock

Problem Masau Masau Lifestyle Writer
Alick Macheso has solidified a place in Zimbabwe’s entertainment history. He has been a source of intense controversy over the years and in an interview his mother says her son isn’t finished yet. “My son is a great composer and he will soon rise from the ashes to produce a scorcher of an album,” says Macheso’s mother Emilia in an interview at a her rural home in Shamva.
She has been the bedrock of support for the sungura music king throughout his life.
“I’m the father and mother of Alick Macheso in good and bad times. I’ve supported my son through thick and thin,” she says.

Macheso’s mother opened up on her daughters in law (Nyadzisai and Tafadzwa), her lifestyle and son’s career.
While Macheso’s decision to take a second wife was mired in controversy and roundly condemned by friends and fans alike, his mother stood by him, saying polygamy was permissible in the society.

“We used to live at a farm where I worked as a farm labourer. In this farming community polygamy was permissible. So I felt there was nothing wrong for Macheso to have two wives,” she says.

Macheso’s mother accepts her son’s polygamous affair and is happy about the mutual respect that exists among her daughter-in-laws.
“I was there when the new baby was born. I am very happy and I am also happy that his wives (Nyadzisai and Tafadzwa) co-habit well. To me they are like twins,” she says.

She accuses the media for meting rift and discord between Macheso’s wives.
“Many things have been written about the two but to their credit they managed to weather the storm.
“They have remained united,” she says.

She continuously dodged questions on Macheso’s father whereabouts until she declared herself Macheso’s “father”.
“In our culture, a father should look after his offspring.

“I’ve managed to raise Macheso on my own with the help of my brothers. So I am his father and that’s all I can tell you,” says the sungura king’s mother.
She declined to comment on assertions by a Chipinge man claiming to Macheso’s father.

Mai Macheso loves her family and has faith in God.
“I am an ardent Methodist, people can say whatever they want but the truth is that I don’t drink chikokiyana (intoxicating brew),” she says.
To her, “Charakupa” remains her best song ever produced by her son in Zimbabwe.

“The song is saturated with deep meaning and I think it has driven my son to be what he is today. He is so compassionate about the underpriviledged,” she says.
The mother of six says after harvesting her crop, she takes time to visit her children.

“I spent the last three months at Macheso’s home and I had to make an excuse that I had to go home and vote. He always wants me by his side. I am going to return because I want him to buy me fertilizer,” she says.

In a particular poignant moment, she mentions her son temperaments.
“Anopenga zvisingaite ipo paye,” she says.

She says her son is generous and supports her and other 13 relatives in Shamva.
“We cannot complain much, Alick buys us groceries every month. He also looks after my brothers’ children he has integrated into his band,” she says.
However, Macheso’s younger brother Michael feels neglected.

“I don’t need handouts from my brother.
“I need support to start my own things. It seems as if he has abandoned us. I am a good instrumentalist but he turned me down. Here I am holed in the rural area with nothing to do,” he says.

Alick Macheso is one of the biggest sungura stars of all time and has won many accolades over the years. He is renowned for his exceptional guitar strumming skills, vocals and dance which has helped him to win the hearts of many fans.

His successful music career, it seems, owes much to his mother who raised him, knew him better and did everything necessary to take him to that position.