ORCHESTRA Mberikwazvo’s dancer, Shame “Kariba” Chidewo, has recalled how he nearly quit his job in 2018 after a “mysterious” knee complication.
Kariba says he spent a whole year on the sidelines after joining Alick Macheso’s camp from Khiama Boys in 2016.
Last weekend, Macheso “ordained” Kariba as a leading member of his group.
He stood in for suspended Selemane “Majuice” Mpochi and performed well.
Kariba delivered on the night when Macheso performed before a cosmopolitan crowd in Victoria Falls.
However, his journey has not been an easy one.
“I worked with several groups and artists like Somandla Ndebele and Madzibaba, and some small groups, but it was not that rosy.
“In 2016, I joined Orchestra Mberikwazvo after the management recommended me when we held a joint show in Mozambique when I was still with Madzibaba Zakaria,” recalled the dancer.
Two years after joining the group, Kariba had a rare sickness, which nearly dashed his hopes.
“I spent the whole year at home since I was struggling to walk with a knee injury which kept me on the sidelines.
“Macheso and his management continued to pay me my full salary for the whole year and I was itching to make a return to the stage.
“At one point, I lost hope that I was never going to dance again since I was always in pain,” said Kariba.
While theories were flying around about his illness, he stuck to the doctor’s prescriptions.
“I went for an X-ray and the scan showed that my knee had no fracture.
“I used to take some tablets and later some injections to ease the pain.
“One day I decided to leave it to God and it was prayer after prayer and I finally conquered. I see the grace of the Lord because I am now as fit as a fiddle.”
He also ruled out the use of juju.
“Whenever an athlete or artist gets a mysterious illness, theories are bound to fly around.
“In my case, I just believe it was just an illness and I do encourage sick people to seek treatment from medical specialists.
“I always give it my best on stage and I always do that but sometimes people don’t notice me.
“I am committed to my job and I make sure that I am always at the right place at the right time.”
The 42-year-old was born in Raffingora and is married to Margaret Chivanga and they have two childen – Brenda (14) and Blessing (3). HMetro.
