Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
ORCHESTRA Mberikwazvo star dancer Selemane “Majuice” Mpochi is unwell.
Majuice recently twisted his ankle on stage and ruptured his ligaments in Mutoko.
The talented dancer, choreographer and fitness enthusiast was notably absent from Alick Macheso’s weekend shows, which coincided with his birthday celebrations.
As Macheso turns 57 today, fans, family and friends showered the sungura ace with birthday cakes, gifts and heartfelt wishes during the festivities last weekend.
In an interview with Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub on the sidelines of Macheso’s family show held at Steak House Pub & Grill in Adbernie, Harare, last Sunday, Macheso’s head of communication, Tichaona Makahamadze, clarified Majuice’s absence.
“He is unwell as he nurses a recurring leg injury after he twisted his ankle,” he stated.
“For the past three weeks, he has not been performing with the others because his ankle injury is causing him problems. We have given him enough time to recover and take medication at home. He remains part of the family, and we badly need him back at work.”
Makahamadze revealed that Majuice continues to receive his full salary and benefits, just like any other full-time band member.
“We don’t neglect our workforce because they are not feeling well; this is the right time to show them love. He still remains part of the band, but when someone is unwell, there is nothing we can do about it. He will return when he is fit, but for now, he will be missing in action,” he stressed.
He added, “We have some band members with health related issues that we are looking after, as well as covering their medical bills.
“It’s our responsibility as management to ensure that the welfare of band members is prioritised, even when they are not feeling well. We need each other, especially in these trying times, as that is when they need us the most.”
In another interview, Majuice confirmed his injury, which has kept him on the sidelines for weeks.
“I miss the fans and the stage after I twisted my ankle during a recent show at Padhana Sports Club in Mutoko.
“I have been performing in great pain for most of the year because I love my fans. There were times I was forced to take tablets to suppress the pain, but I have come to a point where I feel the pain is now severe, and management has given me enough time to rest,” he explained.
The star dancer, whose chemistry with Macheso is adored by many, noted that he had no option but to follow the doctor’s advice.
“My doctors have advised me to take a rest while I go through physiotherapy to ensure that I recover on time. The only problem I am facing now is anxiety about getting back on stage because I know there are people who attended those shows to watch the individual talents of both dancers and guitarists,” he said.
Majuice, who missed Macheso’s birthday shows, wished his employer well.
“I can only wish my boss a long life filled with good health, love and prosperity. Macheso is like a father to me and I will always be indebted to him for everything I have acquired in my life.
“This was my first time missing his birthday shows, and I can feel the absence, especially from fans who wished to see me on stage beside him,” he said.
Majuice, who has evolved from a street dancer to a professional under Macheso’s great tutelage, assured fans that he will be back on stage soon.
“I wish to make a quick return to the stage because the stage is my life. It’s strange for me to find myself not performing with others because I love music and everything I do for the band.”
He also praised Macheso’s management for prioritising the welfare of band members.
“I am proud of the management that has taken care of me and other band members during my condition.
‘‘It’s not easy in our industry to have management that prioritizes the welfare of its members when they fall ill. This is the kind of support we have longed for over the years,” he emphasised.
True to Majuice’s praises for Macheso’s management, the Orchestra Mberikwazvo top brass has been taking care of rhythm guitarist Tafie Nyamunda, who is now blind.
The management has also been looking after Lucky Mumiriki, who suffered a stroke in 2011.
Currently, Macheso’s management is doing its best to help Majuice make a timely return to the stage.
This is rare, as most groups neglect their band members once they fall on hard times.
What makes Majuice’s case delicate is that his influence, swagger and stage presence — or absence — are strongly felt.
Majuice’s absence is deeply felt, and the support from the band and management underscores a strong sense of unity and care within Orchestra Mberikwazvo.
As Majuice focuses on his recovery, fans and colleagues alike look forward to his return, hoping for a swift recovery and a return to the stage.
Peter Tanyanyiwa