After a busy festive season, sungura legend Alick Macheso has taken a break from live performances, with plans to resume on February 1.
Macheso, who traditionally spends his annual leave at his farm in Chivhu, wrapped up a series of shows that ran from December 20 to December 31, 2024.
Tichaona Makahamadze, the spokesperson for Orchestra Mberikwazvo and a close associate of Macheso, confirmed the band’s decision to take their customary January break.
“We’ve embarked on our annual leave following a hectic festive season where we performed daily from December 20 until New Year’s Eve,” Makahamadze said.
“The festive period is always a demanding time for musicians, as people seek entertainment during the holidays. While we usually do three shows a week on average, the increased workload during December makes it essential to rest and recharge in January. This allows us to prepare for the new season starting in February.”
He added that spirits remain high within the Orchestra Mberikwazvo team.
“We always make it a point to look out for each other as a band, and this break comes after a very productive year. The life of an artiste can be exhausting, with constant travel across the country. It’s important for our members to spend time with their families, as this aspect of our lives often gets neglected.”
Makahamadze, who has skillfully managed Macheso’s career for years, assured fans that the band will return stronger than ever.
“We plan to resume shows in early February, following a well-earned rest. Our fans can look forward to a vibrant comeback. We’ll also dedicate the final week of January to rehearsals to ensure we’re fully prepared to deliver our signature performances.”
He noted that January is often a difficult time for musicians, as it’s a slow month due to financial constraints faced by fans after the holidays. However, he stressed that Orchestra Mberikwazvo is committed to maintaining professionalism during this period.
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“Our band is guided by professionalism, which has been key to our success. We encourage our members to set positive examples in their communities and uphold the band’s reputation. Misconduct is not tolerated, as it could harm the brand we’ve worked so hard to build,” he said.
Looking ahead to the first quarter, Makahamadze shared the band’s plans:
“We’re gearing up to release more music, videos, and to host numerous shows across the country. Expanding our reach, we also aim to produce fresh visuals to promote our music internationally. Our fans have been eagerly anticipating this, and we’re determined to meet their expectations.”
He expressed gratitude to the fans for their unwavering support throughout 2024.
“We owe our success to the loyalty and love of our fans. Their encouragement has seen us through both tough times and moments of joy, and we are deeply thankful. Our priority will always be to honor their support.”
Macheso, a prominent figure in Zimbabwe’s music industry, typically maintains a demanding schedule. Other well-known artistes, such as Jah Prayzah, Suluman Chimbetu, Andy Muridzo, and gospel musicians, also take breaks in January, which is generally a quieter period in the music scene. This slowdown is attributed to the financial strain many fans face after the festive season and back-to-school expenses, prompting artistes to reduce their performances during this time.
