Macheso disappoints

ALICK Macheso has lost his touch! The writing was on the wall on Friday night during his show at the Amphitheatre as his performance was below par with over 1000 fans that had gathered there disappointed.

His live performance did not have that spark of yesteryear. However, this did not mean that the night was all boring. Those who had come to have some fun had it during the sporadic instances that Macheso resurrected his yesteryear form.

With posters put up last week, showing the man in a suit and tie, many fans thought Macheso had come to Bulawayo in a no-nonsense mood.

However, the sungura maestro went on stage in his signature jeans, takkies and checkered shirt.

The show started at around 10.30PM, with Baba Shero coming on stage amid wild cheers from fans.

This show began at a blistering pace with Macheso playing tracks such as Madhawu, Tafadzwa and Wemakonzo that got fans into the mood.

However, as the show progressed it was evident that Macheso was losing his touch as fans waited in anticipation for something fresh from him.

Even the dance antics of his crew led by energetic dancer MaJuice could not quench the air of anticipation at the venue.

There was a 30 minute lull when Macheso decided to tone it down and perform songs that were not known by the fans from his album.

Fans were seen standing and watching Macheso "sing for himself" leading Orchestra Mberikwazvo.

The talking guitar brought life back into the crowd again as Macheso showed why one his nicknames is Extra Basso.

During the show, Macheso made mention of Solomon Skuza, Lovemore Majaivana, Chiwoniso Maraire, Tongai Dhewa Moyo among others.

He even played a few notes from Lovemore Majaivana's hit track Umoya wami on his bass guitar, much to the delight of the crowd.

Afterwards he decided to invite fans onto the stage to show their dance moves.

The fans did not disappoint as their nimble feet brought life to the venue as the crowd cheered all dance moves.

Fans who spoke to Chronicle expressed mixed feelings about Macheso's show.

"He (Macheso) was more concerned with playing tracks from his old albums. He saw that if he played tracks from his new album he would lose the crowd of which was true," said a fan that only identified himself as Fibion.

Another fan said they had a great time at the show and would not miss a Macheso show.

"This is my first time ever attending a Macheso show and I must say I had a great time. The last time a friend of mine attended his show and he told me what I missed out and I said to myself I will not miss any of his shows," said Desire Chuma.

At the end of the day Macheso has to pull up his socks as he cannot ride on past glory.