Zimbabwe: Macheso Urges Mapfumo to Return Home

Source from:  The Herald (Harare) 5 January 2008 01/08/2008

Sungura musician Alick Macheso has urged Chimurenga legend Dr Thomas "Mukanya" Mapfumo, who has set up base in the United States, to return home and hold live shows for his fans dotted around the country. Macheso made it known to his fans that Mapfumo and Oliver "Tuku" Mtukudzi, who is based in Norton, were the country's best musicians. Speaking on stage after playing a sungura version of Mukanya's song, Nyoka Musango, during his New Year's Eve show at the Chitungwiza Aquatic Complex, Macheso said it had been too long since Mapfumo last performed in the country. "Nguva yareba -- nguva yati ohh kubva zvamaenda Mukanya (It has been long since you left Mukanya) and your fans miss you -- they still want to attend your shows. "Dai mambodzokawo (We urge you to come back for some shows). We miss the inspirational shows. We are begging for just two shows chete and people would be extremely happy," Macheso said. "Pane dhara redu risipo Mukanya asi rimwe dhara redu Mtukudzi riripo. "We are concerned because Mukanya is missing in the equation of Zimbabwean music," Macheso said. Mukanya last staged a show in the country in 2002, giving one of the most memorable performances at the Boka Tobacco Auction Floors and setting a record attendance for a single artiste. Enditem