By Liberty Dube
LONG-SERVING Orchestra Mberikwazvo manager William “Yellow” Tsandukwa has described the band as a mighty ship that will never sink by the departure of band members or other challenges.
Tsandukwa acknowledged, however, that the Alick “Extrabasoo” Macheso-led band which was formed in 1997 has been, just like any other group, trying hard to retain its fan base across the country.
The band has so far lost talented band members like Jonasi Kasamba, Obert Gomba, Noel Nyazanda, Zakaria Zakaria, Innocent Mujintu, Samuel Mugede, Rodgers Fatiya and Franco Dhaka, among others.
In an interview on the sidelines of Alick Macheso’s memorable show at Pick and Save Superette on New Year’s Eve, Tsandukwa said he had dedicated his life to the success of the band contrary to media reports that the band was wasting his time.
He pledged allegiance to the band.
“I have done my best for the group. It has not been easy, but we have managed to sail through. People no longer attend shows as they used to. Some bands have collapsed, while others are operating below par, but we have managed to keep up. In fact, most of them are struggling.
Zvazvinodai pamuti munyoro, kuzoti pamuti wakaoma? Yes, band members left, but I am not sure if they are still proud of the decision they made. Some band members expect things to be the same or even better, yet things have changed now, music is no longer paying.
“We are doing our best to be professional and keep Orchestra Mberikwazvo afloat despite difficulties,” he said.
Tsandukwa said Macheso would start working on a new album this month since he has completed songs that could not feature on his previous album, Kwatabva Mitunhu. Meanwhile, Macheso belted out some of his new songs, the likes of Ane bhora ndiye anomakwa.
Macheso on the song likens himself to a mighty sea that cannot be dried up by using cups.
Goes part of the lyrics, “Gungwa ramavavarira kuda kukupa iri muchenjere kuyeredzwa, Njanji yamavavarira kuda kugura iyi zvairiyo ine chitima chakatakura zvangu ne zvenyu, Musha wamavavarira kuda kuputsa uyu . . .”
Macheso, that night, could not resist some waist-wriggling antics by a talented dancer who stormed the stage and danced like nobody was watching. Amid wild cheers, Macheso instantly employed the young lad and said: “Uyu ndinofa naye uyu, tamupa basa”.
Macheso and Orchestra Mberikwazvo will return at the same venue on February 1. The show organisers said all was in place to host the first show of the year.
“We would like to thank our patrons who made 2013 a great year. Macheso will be back in February by public demand,” said the organisers. Manica Post
