Macheso wows Limpopo
By Munashe Rungano
Sungura icon, Alick Macheso put up a stellar performance at the Phalaphala FM Royal Heritage Festival held at the Royal Gardens at Nandoni Dam on Saturday night
The SABC organised event which saw the sungura kingpin performing among a host of South African artistes pulled an estimated 15000 revellers-among them senior government officials, King of Venda and some top actors from Mzansi’s popular soapie Muvhango.
The Macharangwanda singer’s 90 minute slot at the festival saw the musician getting on the stage just before 2300hrs neatly clad in black designer pants, white shirt and a matching waistcoat accompanied by his equally smart Orchestra Mberikwazvo.
With prodigal son Noel Nyazanda on the lead guitar the sungura kingpin kicked of his performance with yesteryear hit Madhawu.
But it was fresh hit Gungwa and all time classic Mundikumbuke which sent the audience into frenzy coupled with the top class PA system the sound was nothing short of exquisite.
Not to be outdone was talented chanter Jonasi Kasamba.
The DRC born entertainer kept fans on their toes with his flawless stage antics and scintillating chants which gelled with the perfectly rehearsed dance routines by the dancers.
However the toast of the night came when Macheso displayed his guitar strumming prowess playing the bass guitar with almost every part of his body drawing wild cheers from the crowd.
Macheso’s management team Lucky Macheso and Victor Sithole could not hide their joy with the reception and reaction from at the music extravaganza.
“We are overwhelmed my brother. What makes it all sweeter is that prior to this show we made a promise to give a top drawer performance and from what we witnessed from the bumper crowd our mission is a success,” said Sithole.
The tour opened more doors for their trailblazing brand as their solid performance earned them yet another guaranteed slot at the annual event.
“We have already been told by the organisers that such an act should never be missed on their upcoming festival which means a win to us as a band and also our music industry as Zimbabwe” he said.
All in all it was a spirited performance by Macheso as he faced a herculean task of staging live for the first time among local music heavyweights and still leaving the crowd clamouring for more as he left the stage.
