Online Reporter
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
WHAT about Alick Macheso at 100?
Well, it sounds far-fetched because he still has another 43 years to cover before reaching that milestone.
But, that’s his prayer – to become a centenarian.
He revealed his wish last year as he celebrated his 56th birthday.
“It is a blessing and God’s favour when people celebrate birthdays in good health and mind.
“I feel loved by fans from all walks of life, who have been showering me with lovely birthday messages.
“I wish I could live to over 100 years and share some of my experiences with future generations,” he said.
The Orchestra Mberikwazvo boss, who had a tough upbringing, said he was a “baby of grace”, where he came from.
“To be honest life was hard for me to the extent that I almost gave up. It was not easy for us as we grew up in a farming community, where opportunities eluded us.
“I didn’t give up on my dream of becoming a musician and I feel loved to be here doing what I enjoy most, which is making new music,” he said.
Macheso has been working closely with both upcoming and struggling musicians.
“I can’t say I have the means to satisfy everyone but, from the look of things, I am compelled to assist others with the little that I have.
“As a role model to fellow musicians, it means that I should continue behaving like an elder and share some of the nuggets about life.
“I have an important role to save others with guidance from God.”
He, however, said he was concerned with the drug abuse menace ravaging the youths.
“We are living in trying times as we are battling drug and substance abuse among young people.
“It’s quite unfortunate that girls have also joined this web and it’s sad that we are losing some who should be serving the nation.
“It’s now scary when we are being forced to bury our young ones, which should be the opposite,” he said.
Macheso has a big band and he takes care of the 36 people who are part of this group.
His management team, led by Tich Makahamadze, 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.
“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.
“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.
“Thirty-six is a big number considering the current situation in showbiz.”
He added:
“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.”
