Online Reporter
Trust Khosa, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
ALICK Macheso turns 57 today and has heaped lavish praise on his wife Nyadzisai for providing the rock on which the sungura king has built his successful music career.
Macheso was born on June 10, 1968, in Shamva.
He remains extremely popular as an artist.
During his family show on Sunday at Steak House Pub & Grill in Adbernnie, Harare, a large crowd gathered to celebrate with him.
“I feel humbled by this kind of support as you came in numbers to celebrate my birthday,” he said. “I also want to thank my wife, Nyadzisai Butau-Macheso, for her love and everything she has done for me.
“To be honest, this milestone means a lot to me as a band leader, family man, and visionary.
“I can only be grateful to God for all these years, and the gift of life, as well as seeing my kids grow. I am also grateful to my family members who have been there for me.
“I salute the Orchestra Mberikwazvo outfit, which comprises 36 members, translating into 36 households.”
Macheso was also humbled by the gifts he received on stage. “This means a lot to me and the band and I can’t thank them enough,” he said.
Macheso’s management, led by Tich Makahamadze and Lucky Nyandimu, said their leader was a man who cares for the welfare of his band members.
“As you have noticed, this time around he has decided to focus on the welfare of his band members as he celebrates this milestone.
“As he said on stage, his wage bill keeps on ballooning but he isn’t deterred by the fact that he now has a staff complement of 36 people.
“To us, this means a lot and you can see that he is indeed an employer of many households at Orchestra Mberikwazvo,” said Makahamadze.
He added: “His household and studio are always swarmed by people who need help. As for the welfare of his band members, he does his best to ensure that we all get something from the same cake.
“The last time I checked, we were 28 members of staff, and the figure has risen to 36, as he indicated.
‘‘Thirty-six is a big number considering the current situation in showbiz.”
Makahamadze said Macheso is determined to empower other artists who need exposure as part of his 57th birthday celebrations.
“To be honest, we are always prioritising the welfare of other artists who need to come in as supporting acts to ensure they get exposure.
“As Baba Sharon is aging gracefully, he has not forgotten where he came from, and he has vowed to assist others by bringing them in as supporting acts.”
Macheso’s commitment to his band members reflects his deep sense of responsibility and loyalty.
He has also been saluted for looking into the welfare of band members who are struggling, especially star dancer Selemane “Majuice” Mpochi, who twisted his ankle in Mutoko.
Majuice missed Macheso’s weekend shows as he continues to nurse ruptured ligaments at home. Macheso’s team has also been looking into the welfare of rhythm guitarist Tafie Nyamunda, who is now blind.
The same camp has been looking into the welfare of Lucky Mumiriki, who suffered a stroke in 2011. Despite the increasing wage bill, Macheso is not deterred by all this.
