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Alick Macheso

Blessed Katiyo in JOHANNESBURG, South Africa
URBAN grooves musicians Enock “Nox” Guni and Freeman (real name is Emegy Chizanga) will this weekend square up with veteran sungura guru Alick Macheso in two highly anticipated year-end shows in Cape Town and Johannesburg. “Extrabasso”, as Macheso is affectionately known by his legion of fans, has in the past expressed his desire to groom younger musicians into solid outfits.

This weekend the opportunity has availed itself across the Limpopo River.
The two shows are the brainchild of Morris “Silent Killer” Musekiwa, whose business interests include transport and logistics in Zimbabwe and South Africa.

“Our core business is in the logistics business but we have taken a decision to diversify and promote our own musical culture and heritage,” said Musekiwa, owner of Lock Trans Tours.

“Seeing the number of Zimbabweans resident here, we want them to have a feel of being home away from home. In the same vein we need to grow our own musical brands so that they conquer not only the Zimbabwe market but the entire Sadc region,” he added.

He indicated that he wants to groom popular Zimbabwean musicians to the stature of South African outfits like Mafikizolo, Lira and others who are appreciated across the continent.

“We have so much talent in Zimbabwe that matches any on the continent and the world rather. It is time we rise up,” emphasised Musekiwa.

He indicated everything has gone according to plan and the band is scheduled to arrive in Johannesburg this morning before catching a connecting flight to Cape Town.

Tomorrow night’s show will be at the Good Hope Hall in the inner city which is safer than playing in residential                                     suburbs.

According to the promoters, they have been given the green light to hold shows until 4am in the morning by the city authorities.
Soon after the show the artistes will fly back to Johannesburg mid-morning for what will be the bigger of the two shows.

The venue will be the popular upmarket Bassline auditorium.
With its bigger and secure parking space, the Bassline is the doyen of venues in downtown Johannesburg. It is centrally located in the revived Maboneng Precinct which is the heart of Jo’burg entertainment.

Tickets for both shows are available online on Computicket and in most retail supermarkets.
They are reportedly selling fast indicating a growing interest in the shows. Harare-based social media marketing consultant and club DJ

Tendai “Commander” Samu was roped in to promote the shows in cyberspace.
Many “Zorai Butter” fans will be hoping to get a pre-Christmas present after a year that was literally dry as music shows were few and far between in 2013.

“We are ready to give our best for these two shows.
“I will be unveiling my latest album ‘Eighth Wonder’ to the South African market and I promise you it is going to be fireworks this weekend,” said Nox in Johannesburg yesterday.