Alick Macheso Honors Roots in Shamva, Dzivaresekwa, Chitungwiza and Epworth
Sungura legend Alick Macheso has built a career that resonates across Zimbabwe, yet his heart remains with the communities that shaped him. His journey began in the farming town of Shamva, continued through Dzivaresekwa in Harare, and later included Epworth and Chitungwiza. Despite owning a home in Waterfalls, Harare, Macheso maintains a deep connection to these areas, cherishing long-standing friendships and the memories of his upbringing. Throughout February, he has engaged with local communities through personal visits and large-scale performances, showing unwavering commitment to his roots.
Macheso’s publicist, Tichaona Makahamadze, describes him as a “man of the people” whose bond with his hometowns defines both his life and the identity of Orchestra Mberikwazvo. Makahamadze explained that Macheso often returns to Shamva to reconnect with old friends and perform for local fans. “If he is not performing, he will be hanging around with old friends, catching up about life,” he said. This humility and approachability have earned Macheso a reputation as a national treasure and have solidified Orchestra Mberikwazvo as a “band of the people.”
Dzivaresekwa holds a special place in Macheso’s journey, shaping his musical skills and childhood experiences. Under the guidance of guitar tutor Shepherd Chinyani, he honed his craft while navigating everyday life in the Chesa area, now known as Padziva and Camp Caravan. Makahamadze recalled Macheso’s emotional response during a previous visit when erecting a community borehole, highlighting the deep bond he maintains with the people and stories of Dzivaresekwa. This Friday, Macheso is set to perform in the area, revisiting his formative spaces and reconnecting with fans who have supported him for decades.
Chitungwiza is another city that holds enduring significance for Macheso. Having lived there for many years, he knows the town intimately, owning properties and operating the band’s studio and administrative offices from the area. Makahamadze jokingly referred to him as “Mr Chitungwiza,” a nod to the singer’s close ties and influence within the town. Epworth and Chivhu also feature prominently in Macheso’s life, with regular performances and a personal farm in Chivhu further cementing his connection to these communities.
From Shamva to Dzivaresekwa, Chitungwiza to Epworth, Alick Macheso continues to honor the places that shaped his path to fame and fortune. His dedication to community, music and friendship illustrates why he remains one of Zimbabwe’s most beloved artists, a figure whose legacy is defined not only by his talent but by his enduring loyalty to the people and places that formed him.
