Macheso determined to establish arts centre

Sungura kingpin Alick Macheso has revealed that he is determined to realise his dream of establishing an arts centre.

The talented bassist and leader of the Orchestra Mberikwazvo told the Daily News that he has a duty to pass on his knowledge to the next generation.

"I was groomed by veteran artistes and I feel I should also do the same and share my knowledge with upcoming musicians and those with an interest to get into the music industry," said the Tafadzwa singer.

"As you know, I am a jack of many trades. I am good at playing many musical instruments and I am able to play many genres be it sungura, jazz, rhumba, jiti, rock, mbaqanga and many other styles that is why I feel I should share this knowledge."

Macheso, who is currently working on his first album since 2012, said the mooted arts centre will cover a wide spectrum of arts aspects.

"My dream is to see youngsters being taught various skills from composing songs, stage management and managing the arts in general," he said.

The sungura music icon added that he has already started scouting for talented youngsters who can benefit from such a facility.

"I have a list of massively-talented young people who only need support and if all goes well they will be my first group of students.

Moyo wangu unorwadza kuona chipo chichiparara nokushaiwa umbiridzo," he said.

Macheso has been inspired by music superstar Oliver 'Tuku' Mtukudzi who successfully set-up the Pakare Paye Arts Centre in Norton.

The sungura star's mentor Nicholas Zakaria also has plans to establish a sungura academy. Zakaria has already acquired the land on which to build the facility in Chitungwiza but is still battling to acquire the necessary funds to begin construction. Last year, Zakaria expressed hope that Prophetic Healing and Deliverance (PHD) Ministries leader Walter Magaya, who has bankrolled the national soccer team on numerous occasions, would come to his rescue.