The ManicaPost
Liberty Dube
Entertainment Correspondent
IT can be safely said Macheso’s legacy is safe.
In fact, sungura music is in safe hands.
Those who attended the sold-out show at The Platinum, formerly Pick and Save last week on Saturday can testify to those assertions.
Sungura legend, Alick Macheso’s sons, Esau and Tatenda, put up a top-drawer performance as they introduced their band, Cheso Boys, and their debut album, ‘Pahukama Hwedu’, to fans in Mutare.
The fun-filled event was also part of Alick Macheso’s 55th birthday celebrations as well as Progress Chipfumo’s reunion with his legion of followers in the eastern border city.
The venue welcomed a record crowd and it was filled to capacity.
“I am proud of the boys. As you can see, they have already set the ball rolling. I love their passion. They are really into it,” said the elated Macheso in a backstage interview.
The Cheso Boys did not waste time proving their mettle in front of the bumper crowd when they jumped onto the stage at around 10pm.
Esau strummed the bass guitar while doing backing vocals, with Tatenda strumming the lead guitar while leading on vocals.
Their vocals were on point while the instrument coordination, stage presentation and choreography were top notch.
Their new compositions, ‘Muporofita’, ‘Pahukama Hwedu’ and ‘Shuviro Yedu’ stood out as the crowd favourites.
They also played their dad’s emotional, yet-danceable hit, ‘Impfa Nimulandi’, plucked from his latest album ‘Tinosvitswa Kure’.
The siblings had taken over the stage from one of the most talented, yet underrated musicians in Zimbabwe, Chipfumo, who performed first.
The dreadlocked musician belted out sing-along hits such as ‘Mangerengere’, ‘Garwe’, ‘Ndivovanoziva’ and ‘Havaroore’, before he signed off with signature track ‘Kuraper mwana’, which sent revellers into delirium.
Sungura virtuoso, Macheso, performed last. On his special night, Macheso did not disappoint.
Through song, he paid tribute to his family and fans who have stood with him through thick and thin.
The toast of the night, however, was the cake-cutting ceremony which was conducted on stage.
The short, yet colorful moment which captured the hearts of many was led by his sons, the band and his friends who included Peter Dumbura, Chipfumo, Oliver Mambambamba and others.
“I am humbled, thank you Mutare for making my birthday memorable. Glory be to God. It is a special night. I am proud of the Cheso Boys. The instrumentalists are great. The vocals are on point. I am happy,” he said.
The untiring Macheso took revellers into the wee hours of Sunday.
