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‘I am above competition’ Macheso

Life & Style
SUNGURA king Alick Macheso says he does not view competition from upcoming musicians as a threat, but was happy to see a new generation of artistes rising to fame so they could ensure growth of the music genre.

SUNGURA king Alick Macheso says he does not view competition from upcoming musicians as a threat, but was happy to see a new generation of artistes rising to fame so they could ensure growth of the music genre.

BY ARTS REPORTER

He challenged the artistes to take their time so they could produce quality work which will defy the test of time and create a legacy just like prominent music gurus.

“What we have achieved through music together with the likes of Mudhara Oliver Mtukudzi, Leonard Dembo and Thomas Mapfumo, to mention a few, was not an overnight thing, but a result of commitment and sheer hard work,” he said.

“It’s not easy to build a loyal fan base that can stand with you through thick and thin.”

He dispelled rumours that he was under pressure to release a new album in view of recent productions by other established musicians. His last album was released three years ago.

“I do music for fans and I take my time before I can say I have the best product for the market,” he said, adding that work on the new project started in 2014.

“A lot has been fed into that project and I can safely say I am happy with what we have in store for our religious fans. I am past competition and when I do music, it’s simply because it has become a part of me. You can’t talk about me without talking about my music.”

Popularly known as Baba Sharo or Extrabasso by his fans, Macheso said he was inspired by the music of the younger generation, whom he was prepared to show the ropes so they could also benefit from his experience.

“Every establishment, be it political or, as in our case, musical, has torchbearers and it will be folly to look at the younger generation as competition. We are the ones to show them the way,” he said.

Macheso said his new offering will be hitting the market anytime this year, but he was worried about piracy.

“Producing music has become a gamble because of piracy, but the plans I have put in place to counter piracy will at least help minimise the losses hence I can’t reveal the actual dates but much of the work has been done,” he said.

Following a management shake-up that saw him parting ways with former manager William Tsandukwa, Macheso said he was now in full control of his music affairs.

“Nothing has changed in my camp, what we have decided is that we need to revitalise our brand and we have put in place new strategies to push our music and the brand Macheso to all corners of the world,” he said.

Macheso saluted his fans’ unwavering support and assured them they were not going to be disappointed by his forthcoming offering. Following his appointment as the Zimbabwe Red Cross Society Humanitarian Ambassador in February 2013, Macheso said he was happy that apart from music, he was always working towards assisting the less privileged through his travels around Zimbabwe.