Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment
SOUTH AFRICAN music diva Makhadzi’s much-anticipated visit for the Cheso Power Festival at Alex Sports Club in Harare on July 31 is now a matter of conjecture.
Born Ndivhudzannyi Ralivhona, the “energy goddess” was billed to perform at the event, which is meant to celebrate Alick Macheso’s major milestones in showbiz and his lasting legacy.
The event is being coordinated by Chipaz Promotions, under the aegis of Partson “Chipaz” Chimbodza, in partnership with Macheso’s management.
However, there have been growing calls on social media for Makhadzi to be barred from visiting Zimbabwe in solidarity with Zimbabweans who are being persecuted in South Africa due to xenophobia.
Chipaz, who brokered the deal well before the xenophobic situation, said Makhadzi’s visit will depend on developments in both Zimbabwe and South Africa.
He also noted that he still enjoys a strong working relationship with regional and local musicians as a promoter, with a long and traceable history in the industry.
Makhadzi is part of the star-studded line-up supporting Macheso, which includes Kurai Makore, Freeman, Peter Moyo, Ndolwane Super Sounds, Bling 4, Xiba, Chillspot Family, Tocky Vibes, Killer T, among others.
In an interview with Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub, Chipaz said preparations are well underway, but Makhadzi’s presence remains uncertain.
“Circumstances will determine whether she comes to Zimbabwe,” Chipaz said.
“In the unlikely event that circumstances do affect her coming to Zimbabwe, we will still maintain a good working relationship with her.
“We also respect all of the artistes in the line-up and we have faith in them.”
He maintained that his stable is open for engagement with Makhadzi’s camp for future shows.
“We have a good working relationship with artistes, and we will professionally find each other, as we have maintained over the years.”
Chipaz said the focus at the moment is on pushing Macheso’s brand and ensuring that his festival lives up to expectations.
“We are doing our best to market the festival, and we are glad that we will do our best to make the event a resounding success.
“We have come up with this strong line-up to ensure that we give fans real value for their money.
“As such, we are not going to stop marketing the festival, and it is our wish to see it living up to expectations,” he boldly declared.
Chipaz, who has invested heavily in the festival, said Macheso deserves to be honoured in his lifetime.
Earlier this year, after announcing the festival, Chipaz expressed his delight in honouring the living legend.
“Macheso is a great man and a father figure in showbiz who has done a lot for our industry. “As such, we can’t afford to pretend like we have not seen what he has amassed over the years.
“I am glad to be associated with his brand, and I will do my best to ensure that we give him his flowers while he is still alive.
“Macheso deserves our love, and as a promoter, I will do my best to make sure that he continues giving fans real value for their money,” he added. Macheso’s camp was ready for the festival, which is meant to celebrate the Orchestra Mberikwazvo boss’ legacy.
“It’s always a good feeling when people come up with such concepts meant to honour our living legends.
“In our case, we are looking forward to a great day of fun at the Cheso Power Festival. Being the inaugural event, we hope history will be made, and we are well prepared for the event,” Macheso’s publicist, Tichaona Mahakamadze, said in a recent interview.
“We are ready to work with everyone, and it is my wish to make sure that we give fans real value for their money.
“We are also ready to work with anyone, and we will do our best. That is why we regularly do collaborations with artistes from other genres.” Macheso is not the only music legend who is celebrated through music festivals.
