SUPERSTAR Alick Macheso’s camp has broken its silence amid growing outrage over the controversial decision to drop sungura from the 24th edition of the National Arts Merit Awards (NAMAs). The shock exclusion of the genre, long regarded as one of Zimbabwe’s most authentic musical sounds, has triggered heated debate across the music industry. Fans and artists are questioning how a genre that fills venues week after week could be overlooked for the premier awards show on the domestic entertainment scene.
Now Macheso’s camp, whose leader remains the torchbearer of sungura, is questioning why this genre was not included among the awards. “A lot has been said about NAMAs excluding sungura, including performances, but we don’t lose heart,” said his publicist Tichaona Makahamadze. “Sungura is our music, and it is up to us to make it relevant.
“The fact that you are discussing it speaks loudly about its significance. “Sungura is genuinely Zimbabwean music, and we should all respect that fact.” While the awards storm continues to rage, Macheso let his music do the talking last Friday when he delivered a fine performance at Warren Park Council Bar in Harare. Despite the biting cold weather, fans poured into the venue in their numbers, proving that sungura still commands serious loyalty.
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“Given the weather conditions, I wasn’t expecting this to happen. I will always cherish this moment, as the loyalty from the fans means a lot to us.” For decades, Macheso has been one of the most dominant figures in Zimbabwean music, famed for his electrifying bass guitar, relentless energy on stage and timeless sungura hits. Now at 57, the musician finds himself carrying an even heavier responsibility. Following the deaths of music legends Oliver Mtukudzi and Nicholas Zakaria, Macheso is widely viewed as the last towering father figure standing in the industry.
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