Macheso flops in Ftown

SHINGIRAI MADONDO
Correspondent | Monday May 6, 2013 00:00

But all this counted for nothing last Friday night as only a handful of his fans attended the much hyped show held at the BOCCIM Hall in Francistown. A full house was expected here. But it was never to be. A crowd of not more than 500 fans thronged the BOCCIM Hall to witness Zimbabwe's most decorated musician performing live here for the third time since 2008. Macheso's fans have generally failed to appreciate the musician's latest offering, Kwatakabva Mitunhu (Kure Kwekure). In his latest album released last December incorporated a new style that is not popular among most of his fans.

The singer himself admitted that he erred on his latest offering. He said his latest album has failed to make an impact on the market because fans are resisting changes he made to his music. Macheso said his fans were used to certain traits in his music but the moment he decided to bring something new, people have failed to appreciate it. He further admitted that his decision did not go down well with most of his fans.

The pint-sized music guru took to the stage at around 12:00 midnight after the little crowd had been entertained by the local musicians such as Tyte (Keletso Merafhe), ATI (Atasaone Molemogi) and the ever energetic Tumza (Tumelo Modise).With his dancing crew in high spirits, the melodious and energetic Macheso puts on a polished act as he came out with energy. He started by greeting the small crowd, composed mainly by Zimbabweans residing and working in Francistown.

Macheso conversed with his countrymen in their vernacular, Shona. He went on to greet the locals in the local lingo. With a deep accent, Macheso threw the few locals who were in attendance into fists of laughter as he says 'Dumelang'. Despite the little crowd, Macheso thanked his fans for making time to his shows. He gave a sterling performance. The crowd responded well to old songs than those from the latest album - a clear development that the album is not popular with fans.  Songs like Macharangwanda which is slowly attracting attention, Cynthia and Samasimba have, however, been regarded as better songs on the musician's album.  The moment he introduces a song from the previous albums, the crowd could be heard chanting and whistling and sing along with the dark complexioned music star.