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ZORAI BUTTER . . . Alick Macheso (left) and his Orchestra Mberikwazvo get down to business. – (Picture by Takawira “Photovet” Dapi)

Tawanda Marwizi Arts Correspondent
Since the departure of some key band members from Alick Macheso’s Orchestra Mberi- kwazvo early this year speculation has been rife over the way the talented musician treats workers in his sungura camp. The deserters – Jonasi Kasamba, Noel Nyazanda and Obert Gomba – cited poor remuneration as the reason for their departure.

Recent reports of another imminent rebellion raised suspicion over the state of financial affairs in the camp.

The Herald Entertainment sought to establish the real situation on the ground with regards to band members’ welfare.

Of major focus were the band members’ salaries and allowances. Macheso, arguing it was high time he let the world know the truth about how he rewards his helpers to quash speculation, revealed the figures for allowances, incentives and wages for his band.

“A lot has been said about my band. People say I am not paying my band members well and others that have left say they have lived in poverty because of mistreatment in the band,” said Macheso.

“We are one of the best paying bands in the country, but people are always free to move and start their own projects. It is unfair to allege that we do not pay well when we are doing our best to reward our members.”

The sungura king said he employs 17 people and all his workers including some that do not work on stage, get US$40 allowances for each show. The musician usually stages three shows a week.

The Herald Entertainment is reliably informed Macheso gets up to US$8 000 per show when he is working with a promoter. His major cost is fuel for four vehicles that are usually used to ferry equipment and band members for shows. He also rents an office at the Aquatic Complex in Chitungwiza. When he is travelling for shows outside Harare and Chitungwiza, accommodation is usually provided by a promoter or they share the costs as per contract.

The weekly wages for band members differ in accordance with seniority and the roles they play in the band.

Macheso could not say what his two managers and two sound engineers get but revealed he pays the other members between US$100 and US$250 a week. The figures might go up by US$50 per individual when the band has a good show.

Guitarists Donald Gogo, Tafi Nyamunda, Divine Muzenda and dancer Selemani “Majuice” Mupochi are the highest paid members at US$250 each.

Backing vocalist Elton Muropa and drummer Richard Chokumanyara receive US$200 each. Dancers Forward Antonio, Watson Fundula, William Dhangiwa, Charles Chembe and backing vocalist Wilson Mega get US$150 each.

Security details and other support staff get US$ 100 each.

Macheso’s manager, William Tsandukwa, said they were paying their band members well depending on the attendance of the shows.
“Every musician in Zimbabwe is complaining because people are not coming to shows but as far as I know we are paying them wages that can sustain them with their families,” said Tsandukwa.

He refused to provide the breakdown of expenses for their shows.

Investigations carried by The Herald Entertainment revealed that US$100 is the common minimum wage for band members working for top musicians while the highest paid workers at some bands are getting almost US$400 per week.