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Tawanda Marwizi Arts Correspondent
Sungura musician Alick Macheso has acquired residential stands in Chitungwiza for all his band members. Yesterday the musician showed this writer the paper work and proof of payment for the stands. The development should come as double celebration for the band since Macheso is also expected to release his new album titled “Tsoka Dzerwendo” this week.Macheso’s Ochestra Mberikwazvo has 27 members currently including security personnel, drivers, guitarists and dancers.
“Kare zvainzi vanhu vemagitare marombe but that is not the case anymore. I am happy that my prayers have been answered,” he said. “We have completed the paper work and I hope by next year we will assist these guys in constructing the houses.
‘‘I have not been formally employed anywhere but with the help of Nicholas Zakaria, Shepard Chinyani and Serestina Dzawo I am now someone in the music industry and I want my band members to benefit.”
The “Tafadzwa” hitmaker said the gesture was another way of teaching band members to be responsible. “They have families who need decent accommodation, food and good life. If we work well as musicians we can succeed in caring for our families.”
However, this publication has established that the stands are still in the company name and will be distributed after the band members sign new contracts. Macheso bemoaned piracy as the major hindrance to their financial success. “It is not only affecting me, Sulu or Jah Prayzah as individuals but recording companies who then cannot afford to pay tax to the Government. It affects everything,” he said.
Baba Sharo, as the musician is fondly known, said the Government should intervene and come up with strict measures to curb piracy. “Like those who steal livestock the penalty should just be stiff because most musicians are working for nothing. We need to grow as artistes but as long as piracy continues, we will not realise our potential income.”
Online Reporter