More wives, more fame for Macheso?

By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka

Has Alick Macheso’s polygamous lifestyle negatively affected his fan base? At least this is what one would expect to happen to a man whose love life has overshadowed his music career in recent weeks.

Events on the ground show that Macheso has become more popular since he took Tafadzwa Mapako as his second wife. Perhaps this is why most men do not openly criticise him because they too either have more than one wife or they have their own “small houses”.

His recent show at the Colour Purple along Willowvale on Friday was nothing short of a thriller!

Despite the chilly weather, Macheso’s fans had a night of fun and it was clear that they love the musician to bits. In fact, his controversial lifestyle has somehow endeared him to fans that regard him as macho and a true African man.

The only thing that is unique about Macheso’s situation is that his first wife Nyadzisai, is playing a lead role in making sure that the singer marries any woman he wants. Macheso, or simply Extrabasso to his fans, has been hitting the headlines ever since he revealed his love interest, Tafadzwa.

The affair, which blossomed during the Akon/Sean Paul Real Deal Concert, saw Extrabasso appearing for the first time in public in tow with Tafadzwa. An album titled “Zvinoda Kutendwa” was later to be released and it became an instant hit with the single called “Tafadzwa Nyarara” topping the charts.

As the album sales sour, so did the attendance at his live shows. Just when music fans thought Extrabasso was settling down there came the news filtering through that he was marrying a third wide – Adeline Hunidzarira, a former maid.

Well those who watched the film “Maid In Manhattan” starring Jennifer Lopez will not be surprised but perhaps the biggest shocker was the sincerity of Nyadzisai with which she rushed to Murewa to pay lobola.

There seems to be an endless debate regarding Extrabasso’s polygamous lifestyle with some supporting him while others are opposed to it. It is all the more startling that Extrabasso in his own admission said he was under pressure to marry a third.

In a survey by Zimbojam, an online lifestyle magazine, the debate has generated a lot of interest in the arts circles and the question is not about polygamy but the way with which the “Madhawu” singer is doing it.

The story, which was first broken by our sister paper H-Metro is the talk of town and some of the comments from artistes and fans show how people from different walks of life have reacted to Extrabasso’s love life. ZimboJam asked people to comment on the issue and gathered the following comments:

Playwright and co-founder of Chipawo, Stephen Chifunyise said: “Alick Macheso is getting highlights and that is good for his career. Macheso has done nothing wrong because we are Africans and that is expected of Africans.

“It is good that Macheso has come out in the open unlike other artistes who choose to keep quiet about their relationships, actually Macheso is our hero. Itsika dzedu dzechivanhu (It is our African tradition). It might be unacceptable in modern society because of Christianity but that is who we truly are.”

Drummer and husband to singer Dudu Manhenga, Blessing Muparutsa said: “It’s one’s choice but it is a sensitive story to the public. Such an act might disappoint some of his fans and affect his career in a negative way.

“It’s his choice really and his personal life in which we can’t do anything about. If his wives are cool with it and he is fine with it then let it be. I know that most women wouldn’t tolerate such behaviour but I guess he knows how to handle his business,”

Model Gracious Muza said: “He needs to put his act together otherwise he is going to end up with a lot of wives. It seems like anything that comes his way, he wants to have it. It is so immature and he should grow up. There is HIV and Aids; he should keep that in mind.”

Stage and screen actress Rutendo Chigudu said: “Macheso is just irresponsible, what kind of picture is portraying to his fans? He is just pathetic and self-centred.”

National Arts Gallery curator Raphael Chikukwa said: “It is difficult to separate ourselves from tradition but at times we need to lead by example. How is he going to monitor three wives? Is he some kind of Mswati (Swaziland King)?”

Grace Tashinga (23) of Dzivarasekwa said: “We must consider the plight of the first wife because she went through a lot with Macheso to be where he is today.”

A woman only identified as Amai Mandava from kwaMereki in Warren Park D argued that the sungura maestro was out of his wits and insisted that Macheso should check into rehab before it is too late.

“Let’s not forget that he married a second wife last year and I think there should be something wrong with him, anoda kuendeswa kurehab.”

It remains to be seen if the sungura star stops on number three or he is still counting.