…calls ‘prodigal’ dancer Antonio ‘Dorido’ to re-join the band
Courage Dutiro
Sungura ace Alick Macheso who took his fans to cloud-nine over the weekend at Masvingo’s hub of entertainment Caravan Park remembered the late Fanuel ‘System’ Tazvida in his home city.
Tazvida who was popularly known as Rombe reZaka hailed from Chinyaradza area in Zaka district about 90 km southeast of Masvingo city which is home to the national monument and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site, Great Zimbabwe which is the umbilical cord that connects the nation with its history.
Macheso brought back Tazvida to memories of some of the merrymakers by performing one of Tazvida’s hit songs known by many as ‘Anodyiwa haataure’.
Tazvida was a popular Sungura singer who rose to stardom in the 1990s and was best known for his enchanting statements in most of his songs and for being a social commentator.
Before forming the Chazezesa Challengers, Tazvida had performed with different bands including Khiama Boys, Mabhauwa Express and Sungura Boys.
Sungura music is a popular genre in Southern Africa that originated from East and Central Africa.
The name Sungura is a Swahili word for “hare” and the genre was named such because of the high velocity in which the hare can run.
The Chazezesa Challengers front man was born on May 2, 1968 and died on February 4 1999, leaving the band in the hands of his younger brother Peter who also died in 2002.
Tazvida recorded several albums including Rudo, Tsika nemagariro (1994), Mutunhu unemago in 1995, Wadenha Mago in 1996 and Watosvorwa in 1997.
After remembering Tazvida, the generous Macheso also remembered and called his prodigal band member and dancer Forward Antonio who displayed a classic show to join the people’s band (Band revanhu) on its world tour and become part of the band.
“Asi kanofamba kamufana aka (this young man is a good dancer). Undione kana ndadzoka Harare (come to me directly when we are back in Harare). Toda kuenda kuDubai, New Zealand topedzisiria neAustralia (We will be having tours in Dubai, New Zealand and the last one being in Australia), ukaita lucky ka ndokugadzirira mapepa (if you are fortunate enough, I will process your papers too).
“Ndakatengera band maStands, Divine yake akutopedza (I bought stands for the band members and Divine is now at a better stage). Ukaita luck Antonio ndokutengera yako. Hameno wauya wakazorei nhasi mufana, (I don’t know what type of charm/ spell have you used today young man)” said Macheso.
It is said Antonio had followed the band from Harare to Masvingo at his own expense.
Antonio is among some of the Orchestra Mberikwazvo members who were shown the exit door back in 2017 over indiscipline.
Among some members who were expelled are guitarists Donald Gogo and Tafirei Nyamunda.
However, Macheso’s bouncers are said to have terrorized some of Masvingo’s fourth estate members at the entrance into the show.
Fans got a special treat and value for their money as the Sungura king fused yester year hit songs and those from the recently-released album.
