By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
Sungura man of song — Alick Macheso — who turned 53 today will probably celebrate at home with family and friends after his birthday shows scheduled for Johannesburg in South Africa were postponed to a later date following stricter Covid-19 regulations.
The number of confirmed cases almost doubled prompting South African authorities to impose level 2 lockdown measures.
The Bassist extraordinaire was scheduled to perform his first gig on June 4, 2021 at Germiston Lounge alongside Ras Bleds, Dino Mudondo and comedian Baba Tencen. Other supporting acts were DJs Mabhanana, Dayne, Abrass and Commander B.
The next gig was penciled in for Newtown featuring the likes of Box and Tygah Guni with supporting DJS Irieddread, Rico Meyers and Mr Gee.
One of the organisers Tongai Mbirimi confirmed the shows were pushed back to protect both fans and the brand Macheso.
“We have had to postpone because of the confirmed new cases of Covid-19. This is because the winter is upon us and also the venues were indoors so we are looking forward to hosting Macheso end of July or August.
“We could not take the risk because we want to be responsible and protect both fans and the brand Macheso. We wouldn’t want people to get infected at the gigs,” he said.
Also known as Extra Basso to some and Baba Sharo to others, Macheso has taken the cue from his late friend and mentor Oliver Mtukudzi who celebrated his birthday each year throwing a big bash for his fans and colleagues.
Backed by the Extra Mberikwazo, the band that he formed since he broke out from Nicholas Zakaria’s famed Khiama Boys, Macheso has become a crowd pleaser whenever he stages live shows.
His guitar skills and compositions resonate well with music lovers locally and outside of Zimbabwean borders.
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