The ManicaPost
Liberty Dube
Entertainment Correspondent
BY the time the king of sungura, Alick “Extrabasso” Macheso jumped on stage around midnight, the venue, The Platinum Leisure Centre, was full to capacity.
It is a rare occurrence to fill the venue to capacity and many artistes who have performed there before can bear testimony.
Considering that the entrance fee was pegged at US$10, while the chilly temperatures were unbearable and not-so-friendly, the show was a resounding success.
As Macheso would put it, Orchestra Mberikwazvo is a band for the people (Iband revanhu) and indeed people came in their numbers to watch their band in action.
The last time the venue recorded such a crowd was during a performance by the late Zim-dancehall chanter and Conquering Family godfather, Soul Jah Love, more than seven years ago.
Heir to the Utakataka throne, Peter Moyo who came in support of the sungura muso, did not disappoint as he churned out a blend of his father’s oldies and his own compositions.
As expected, revellers went into ecstasy when the group performed an all-time hit, Zvinoita Murudo off the album Chingwa, with Peter on the lead guitar, Evidence Tarabuku, popularly known as Jahwi or BaGari on sub-rhythm, while seasoned and versatile guitarist, Spencer “Bolt cutter” Khumulani was on bass.
Chanter Gift Katulika, fondly known as Shiga-Shiga, entertained fans with his captivating chants.
Macheso joined Peter on stage, thereby sending revellers into delirium, before the latter bowed down for the main act.
Orchestra Mberikwazvo, from dancers, guitarists and vocalists, did not disappoint.
The band’s sound was top drawer.
Some artistes who perform at the venue usually struggle to produce good sound.
Much to the joy of the fans who had waited patiently, Macheso belted out hits from his yester-year projects as well as all songs from the newly released album, Tinosvitswa Nashe.
It was the first time for Mutare fans to watch live performances of the songs on Macheso’s new album.
Well-choreographed performances on songs such as Kutadzirana, Nzendo Dzirefu, Impfa Nimulandi, Munhu Mumwe and Ndimi Vanhu Vacho charmed many, but it was Makazvinzwepi which was arguably the pick of the night.
The combination and coordination of Francis Charamba, fondly known as Franci Poto and Zakaria Zakaria (on rhythm guitars), as well as Macheso and Noel Nyazanda who were on bass and lead guitars was a marvel.
Macheso, in an interview with Post Entertainment, said he is grateful for the overwhelming support he has received since releasing the album.
He even posted on his social media handles, including Facebook the following day saying: Zuro Pick and Save, Mutare, kwaipisa! Bvunza vaivako.”
“It is an honour seeing such a crowd thronging the venue. We are humbled. The album has received overwhelming support and we are extremely grateful.
“We have good news for our fans as we will soon shoot videos in Mutare, among other places, for several songs on the new album,” said Macheso, speaking through his manager, Tich Makahamadze.
