Alick Macheso cannot get enough of Leonard Zhakata

SUNGURA ace Alick Macheso cannot get enough of Leonard Karikoga Zhakata and his music. Macheso says his relationship with Zhakata goes back aeons and he has tremendous respect for the Zora music star.

"I learnt a lot from him during the years I played as one of his curtain raisers. I respect him forever. He has been a good example of how to do music as a business," says Macheso. This could explain why Macheso was itching to sing his mentor's songs at Zhakata's launch of his latest album at the Harare International Conference Centre.

The Zora founder launched his 21st album, "Mutunga Dzese", at a decent event on July 8 with help from Macheso, Suluman "Sulu" Chimbetu and Peter Moyo.

When Zhakata went on stage after Sulu's spirited performance, one could not help but notice Macheso was chomping at the beat backstage.

Every now and then he wouldinch towards the stage and lip-sync the Zora songs Zhakata was belting out.

And when the yesteryear monster hit "Mugove" was introduced, Macheso strummed the chords and provided backing vocals without a microphone - until Zhakata drew him into his act.

The climax came when Macheso played the popular bass guitar riff that folds "Mugove".

And when the sungura virtuoso finally left the stage to wait for his turn - which would come after Peter Moyo's truncated performance - he was on fire.

"… he might not say it or tell you but underneath I know and will always remember the value he has added in my life. I will buy this new CD 'Mutunga Dzese' for each and every one of my band members so that it's played everywhere," declared Baba Sharo. "The response to this launch is good and I'm glad as artistes we have learnt the importance of supporting each other," said Macheso.

A collaboration titled "Madam Boss" featuring Sulu and Progress Chipfumo from the new offering, which was recorded "on short notice", is already proving popular among Zhakata's followers.

Now a pastor with Prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa's United Family International Church, Zhakata has seen it all in showbiz. However, he was still surprised with the heights he scaled on July 8.

He has filled a number of venues across the country during his peak yet it was his first time to try his luck in the majestic HICC. Never has he birthed an album in such a huge place.

Yes, the crowd was not as big as expected considering the line-up on the day, but it was equally not that bad.

"The response is encouraging. Rather I was surprised to see guests from my church here. My music is more secular but their presence means it is relevant and can be appreciated by church people," said Zhakata.

"Zvine Mwaka", "Tsvimbo Dzeumambo", "Wauya Neyi", "Moyo Wekutenda" and "Kuzvarwa Kwemutumwa" are some of the tracks on the album.

Zhakata said, "I did my best .. and I hope the project will do well and help me rise to the top. Furthermore I'm very grateful to everyone that made this launch a success. More shows will be coming along the way and I will be working with a number of artistes to market the album."

Kadoma-based music promoter Cosmas Daka, central in organising the launch, said: "Zhakata is a big brand that needs to be respected and I'm happy his fans showed him love. I'm prepared to work with him in whatever way he so wishes."

One of Zhakata's most ardent fans, Innocent Benza of Herentals Group of Colleges, bought a copy of "Mutunga Dzese" for US$2 000; while another was sold for US$1 050 at an auction on the launch day.