Macheso's plan to re-engage Bothwell Nyamhondera stalls

Sungura ace Alick Macheso's plan to re-engage the services of his all-time music producer Bothwell Nyamhondera might hit a snag following reports that the veteran producer's employer, Diamond Studios, is unwilling to release him.

This comes against a backdrop that Macheso chose to forego his routine annual one-month sabbatical which he takes in January to be in the studio working on his forthcoming album set to be released anytime soon.

Earlier last year, Macheso told local media that he was keen on re-engaging the services of Nyamhondera on the album to be released; the veteran producer is revered for producing most of the Tafadzwa hitmaker's masterpiece albums.

Despite Macheso's interest on hiring Nyamhondera on part time basis, officials from Diamond Studios where the veteran producer is employed on full time basis told the Daily News that it is impossible for Nyamhondera to help Macheso as of now.

"Nyamhondera is our employee hence he cannot do extra work behind our back, it is impossible for him to produce for Macheso unless the musician uses our studios for recordings.

"We only release Nyamhondera if we have a special arrangement with the artiste," said John Muroyi an official with the Diamond Studios.

Efforts to get fresh comments from Macheso were fruitless by the time of going to print as his mobile phone was not reachable but his Orchestra Mberikwazvo band manager William Tsandukwa said despite his boss's keen interest to work with Nyamhondera, chances of them doing so are slim.

"I understand Nyamhondera is employed on a full time basis by Diamond Studios and I do not think they can easily release him for part time work."

Tsandukwa said Macheso is not going for his usual January holiday this year as he is working tirelessly on the album which has taken time to be released.

"I understand Macheso is done with recording some of the tracks on the album. Currently, he is working hard putting final touches to the album which he is hoping to release anytime soon."

Unconfirmed reports are that Macheso's album might hit the market shelves this year around March.

Macheso boasts of nine well-received albums.