In a surprising twist during his latest album launch, sungura icon Alick Macheso found himself at the center of a playful but pointed exchange with Youth Empowerment, Development, and Vocational Training Minister Tino Machakaire. The event, held at Alex Sports Club in Harare early Saturday morning, took a memorable turn when Macheso seized the moment to address a long-standing promise.
The evening was set to be a celebration of Macheso’s new album, *Kupa Kuturika*, but it was the unexpected query about a promised haulage truck that stole the spotlight. The minister had just presented Macheso with a generous gift of US$10,000—half for Macheso himself and the other half for his band—when the veteran musician seized the opportunity to make his own request known.
As Machakaire expressed his admiration and support for Macheso, urging fans to show their appreciation by lighting up their mobile phone torches, he handed over the substantial sum to Macheso’s management. The gesture was well-received, but Macheso took the stage with a humorous yet pointed question.
“I have come from far promoting him. I am a businessman. He is my best man, I love you. Mai Shero, Baba Shero, I love you. So all Baba Shero fans, let us show everyone that we are a team. Let us switch on our [mobile phone] torches and salute Baba Shero,” Machakaire declared before making his gift.
With the microphone still close to his mouth, Macheso used the moment to ask, “Pano apa ndangopiwa mathousand asi vakandivimbisa kuti rori riri munzira ririkuuya [Here I have just been given thousands [of US dollars], but he promised me a [haulage] truck?].” His comment was met with laughter from the audience, underscoring the playful nature of the query.
Machakaire quickly moved to clarify, “Vanonyora musanyore zvekunyepa, Baba Shero ishamwari yangu. Rori ravo ririkuuya asi handisi kutaura pano apa [Journalists, don’t write lies. Baba Shero is my friend. His truck is on its way, but I don’t mean right here].” This reference harked back to December 2022 when Machakaire, then Deputy Minister for Youth, Sport, Arts, and Recreation, promised Macheso a haulage truck following a standout performance at the Hwedza Arts Festival.
The evening’s atmosphere was further enlivened by other notable figures such as Panjap owner Brighton Ushendibaba, who surprised Macheso’s dancers with thousands of US dollars on stage. This additional gesture turned the night into a memorable “who’s who” of generosity and celebration.
Macheso, whose illustrious career includes albums like *Magariro* (1998), *Vakiridzo* (1999), *Tsoka Dzerwendo* (2016), and *Tinosvitswa Nashee* (2022), continues to capture the hearts of fans and supporters alike. His latest album, *Kupa Kuturika*, adds to his rich discography and maintains his status as a leading figure in the sungura genre.
As the festivities continued, the night served not only as a showcase of Macheso’s new work but also as a reminder of the playful and dynamic interactions between Zimbabwe’s celebrated artists and their supporters.
In other news – Zimbabwe welcomes new product launch from Chinese firm
China-based Okest Life Group has officially introduced its range of products to Zimbabwe, marking a significant step in its African expansion strategy. The company held its inaugural provincial business presentation at the Young Women Christian Association (YWCA) center in Bulawayo over the weekend, signaling its commitment to contributing to the local economy.
Established in 1991 and headquartered in Beijing, Okest Life Group has built a strong presence in China over the past 33 years. The company has expanded into the African market since 2021, initially targeting Northern Africa before moving southward to Zimbabwe. Read More
