Online Reporter
ON June 18, 2018, as Alick Macheso celebrated his 50th birthday at his homeground at the Aquatic Complex in Chitungwiza, there was a surprise guest at the show.
As the VVIP guest went on stage to join the sungura star, many people were curious to know who this man was.
He had a cake for the birthday boy and they jovially embraced.
It was obvious that they already knew each other.
Macheso had previously announced that some fans and friends from across the Southern Africa region had come to support him on this big day, which was also meant to celebrate the release of his album “Dzinosvitsa Kure” and commemorate his band, Orchestra Mberikwazvo’s 20th Anniversary.
It became obvious that this was one of Macheso’s foreign fans.
When the introduction was finally made, many people were startled. This man was not just a music fan from outside the country.
His home was beyond Southern Africa. He was a diplomat and he was the then South Korea’s ambassador to Zimbabwe, Ambassador Cho Jaichel.
There were a lot of questions and one of the main ones was how a man from South Korea fell in love with sungura music to the extent of bringing a special present for Macheso?
Ambassador Cho said Zimbabweans had impressed him with their hard work and resilience which tended to differentiate them from many other nationals where his job had taken him.
It is also the resilience and hard work that attracted him to Macheso.
The story of how Macheso rose from humble beginnings – soldiering against odds that included growing up without his father’s care – gave the diplomat interest in the musician.
When he finally met Macheso, the musician’s humility and industrious nature struck Ambassador Cho. He wanted to be the musician’s fan, but ended up going beyond loving the music.
He became the musician’s friend.
“When I came to Zimbabwe, I began researching about local musicians. I read stories about many singers and I was touched by Macheso’s story. I developed an interest his music.
“I looked for interpretations of his lyrics. They are rich lyrics that can relate to many situations.
“When I attended his show, I was surprised by his energy on stage. I could read into his expressions as he sang each song. I felt I was part of what he was singing.
“His actions on stage can speak to anyone. He has great talent.”
After observing his stage act, the diplomat tasked someone at the embassy to arrange a meeting with Macheso. The musician is Zimbabwe Red Cross Society’s humanitarian ambassador.
The Embassy approached Red Cross with the request and a meeting was arranged.
Their meeting was the beginning of a journey into a strong friendship. They visited each other’s offices. They have had dinner together.
They have shared jokes.
During that birthday celebration at Aquatic complex, the ambassador delivered a birthday cake that he personally baked.
“I made the birthday cake with assistance from my chef. I made a design that I knew would express what I feel about Macheso’s music. When I delivered it he did not know I had made it. He was surprised when I later told him. He felt so humbled and his appreciation was also humbling.
“Zimbabweans are hard workers. Symbolically, I liken their endurance to the place where the country derives its name – the Great Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe is a house of stone that will not fall easily.
“The people should be united and continue with that spirit. This country has a great future. Its challenges will pass.”
When Macheso released “Dzinosvitsa Kure”, he took an autographed CD to the diplomat.
“He has supported me in a big way. I did not know someone from Korea could fall in love with my music. It is a sign that music is powerful.
‘‘It is also a sign that the ambassador has a great heart. We have visited each other on several occasions. We share ideas and he encourages me to keep working hard,” said Macheso. − Heraldonline
· Ambassador Cho completed his mission in Zimbabwe two years ago and was replaced by Ambassador Park Jae Kyung
