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“Birthday Boy” Alick Macheso salutes his mentor Nicholas “Madzibaba” Zakaria.

Jonathan Mbiriyamveka Entertainment Reporter
Alick Macheso, who is still smarting from a nasty divorce from his second wife Fortunate “Tafadzwa” Mapako, had every reason to smile when scores of music lovers thronged the Andy Millar Hall on Friday to mark his 46th birthday.The pre-birthday party had all the ingredients of a thriller save for one or two setbacks including Oliver Mtukudzi’s no-show as well as the chilly weather for such a momentous occasion for Macheso aka Baba Sharo or Extrabasso.

Of course, the crowd could have been bigger but the roller- coaster gig did not disappoint as the performing artistes looked fired up.

From start to finish the gig gained momentum with each performance and you could tell there is nothing that can stop Extrabasso because for him music is a God-given talent.

Indeed, Macheso has the Bcharisma and appeal that even when his chips are down, there are always people on his side.

The birthday bash could have been a big yawn especially that it was held mid-month when most people do not have money to spend.

That aside,  energy was high on stage with a diverse line-up of performing artistes.

Macheso’s mentor, Nicolas “Madzibaba” Zakaria, and his Khiama Boys paid tribute the Orchestra Mberikwazvo leader is an amazing fashion.

Madzibaba, who is also known as the Senior Lecturer in music circles, took fans down memory when he and Macheso were still together.

The two sungura giants shared the stage and exchanged notes like in the good old days.

Madzibaba delivered a flawless act that delighted the audience.

Most improved act

Peter Moyo and the Utakataka Express deserve special mention for putting up a thrilling act.

Arguably, the outfit went an extra mile in ensuring that the “birthday boy” forgot all his troubles and celebrate the gift of live.

The choreography and the playlist were on point.

The return of bassist Spencer Khumulani has brought back the memories of the late Tongai Moyo while Great Njanji popularly known as “Officer”, who suffered a mild stroke some months back, also added spark to the choreography.

Experimental act

For some obscure reason Freeman aka the Doctor struggled to excite the crowd. Despite being a hot property in Zim dancehall, the “Joina City” hitmaker blew cold and his act fell flat. Freeman looked all blinged up with a matching pair of jeans and a top.

But as is always the case with Freeman, he seems to be a fashion icon.

He always looks hot. Sadly, it was not his day but he gave his all.

Good fellows

When Suluman Chimbetu and his Orchestra Dendera Kings invaded the stage fans went wild. Captain Sulu, as he now calls himself, made his presence felt with an amazing delivery second to none.

Like he does at most of his shows, Sulu came with a lot of energy and did his best.

And when Macheso joined the group there were loud cheers from the crowd. It was only good that Macheso appeared on every set showing much love to his fellow musicians.

Poor security

When Soul Jah Love and his gang hit the stage, the crowd went into a frenzy. And it was during Soul Jah Love’s set that the lax security at the venue was exposed.

As Soul Jah Love was throwing down some serious “riddims” there were several fights in the crowd.

The “Conquering Lion” as he often calls himself, is no doubt at the top of his game.

Dressed in an all-white outfit with a woollen hat, Soul Jah Love did not waste time on stage. He commands a huge following now than ever before.

At least most people sympathise with Soul Jah Love after the fallout with his former manager Courage Zikhali. The hugely talented chanter is unstoppable and despite his bad boy image, fans love him for that.

The cherry on top

Following Soul Jah Love’s electric performance it was Macheso’s turn to thrill the audience. He opened his act with a tribute to fellow musicians, the fans and the family particularly his wife whom he called Mai Sharo. He then gave a vote of thanks to all those who made the gig possible.

His set was pretty much the same but it delighted the fans. It was good that Macheso ignored his family woes to celebrate the pre-birthday party.