Harare music lovers, particularly those who grew up on the soulful melodies of sungura maestro Alick Macheso, are on the edge of their seats as the wait is finally over. After a period of quiet reflection and studio toil, the King of Sungura is back, ready to reclaim his throne with his 13th album, “Kupa Kuturika”, set to drop this Friday at the iconic Alex Sports Club.
The anticipation for this album is not just a matter of routine. Macheso’s last few releases have been met with a mixture of excitement and cautious hope, a yearning for the magic that once defined his musical reign. His legion of fans, known affectionately as “the Orchestra Mberikwazvo family”, are hoping for a return to the golden era, a time when Macheso’s music was synonymous with joy, heartbreak, and the raw emotion that resonated with the soul of Zimbabwe.
“Kupa Kuturika”, a six-track offering, promises to be a journey back to those halcyon days. The album’s title, a Shona phrase meaning “giving until it hurts”, hints at a deeper, more introspective theme, a reflection of the trials and tribulations of life that have shaped Macheso’s musical journey. The tracklist itself speaks volumes: “Kuverengera” (Procrastinating), “Undiregererewo” (Forgive Me), “Zvichada Hama” (The Family’s Intervention), “Murangarire” (Remember him/her), “Kunditaya” (You’re Tiring Me Out), and “Hunhu Hwakashata” (Bad Character).
The longest track, “Zvichada Hama”, clocking in at a hefty 10:43 minutes, promises to be a musical epic, a testament to Macheso’s mastery of storytelling through music. The shortest, “Kunditaya”, at 5:35, suggests a more concise, punchy exploration of a specific theme.
The album, produced at Macheso’s own Alema Studios and mixed and mastered by the veteran Bothwell Nyamhondera, is a testament to the musician’s commitment to quality and his dedication to crafting a musical experience that will resonate with his fans.
“We are ready for the launch and encourage all our fans to get their advance tickets in time to avoid delays at the gate,” said Tich Makahamadze, Macheso’s publicist, his voice brimming with excitement. “It’s going to be a full house and all the supporting acts have confirmed their availability to be part of the album launch.”
The supporting lineup is a testament to Macheso’s standing in the Zimbabwean music scene, a who’s who of contemporary talent: Enzo IshalI, Feli Nandi, Andy Muridzo, the Chillspot Family, and, adding a touch of familial pride, Macheso’s two sons, who front the Cheso Boys.
Macheso’s decision to visit Dzivaresekwa today, a community that embraced him when he first arrived in Harare, is a testament to his humility and his commitment to giving back. He plans to drill a borehole for the community, a gesture of gratitude and a symbol of his enduring connection to the people who have supported him throughout his career.
