Macheso explains why he cried in front of Mugabe

By Staff Reporter

Singer Alick Macheso has opened up over why he shed tears after shaking hands with President Robert Mugabe during the Defence Forces Day commemorations at the National Sports Stadium in August this year.

Macheso was invited by the government to provide entertainment to thousands gathered and mesmerised Mugabe when he played the guitar with his foot, elbow, forehead and then the mouth before a thrilling “Zorai Butter” dance.

Mugabe then ordered Macheso to the VIP tent. Macheso, humbled to be called by the President, went down on his knees before bowing his head touching the ground and shaking hands with Mugabe while tears flowed from his cheeks.

The Sungura maestro also bowed his head when he greeted Mugabe, his two Vice-Presidents Joice Mujuru and John Nkomo, Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, Deputy Prime Ministers, Thokozani Khupe and Arthur Mutambara and Defence Minister Emmerson Mnangagwa at the high table.

Speaking to the Daily News recently Macheso said at that moment in front of Mugabe his life came rushing to his eyes; how he struggled with his mother, growing up in Shamva’s mining community, later starting serious music and not getting paid enough from it and finally hitting the jackpot in his career.

“They were tears of joy. The culmination of sweat and hardwork…Zvakaoma kudaro, I was recognised by the country’s top brass,” Macheso told the paper.

In August Macheso was quoted saying:

“I am honoured to shake hands with the President. I used to hear of him when I started my career as a musician. I never dreamt of meeting him, let alone shaking hands with him. Today is my greatest day. I am very humbled.”

“These are tears of joy. I would like to thank my fans who have kept on supporting me leading to this great day,” Macheso said before being whisked away by military men, who also wanted to pose for pictures with him.