Macheso bursts into tears after orphans expose his past
Sungura Music Supremo Macheso
WHO said men don’t cry?
Touched by the birthday song sang for him by orphans at Kudavana Children’s Home in Zimunya, sungura maestro, Alick ‘Baba Sharo’ Macheso burst into tears as he failed to control his emotions after being taken down the memory lane of his own childhood.
The celebrated bass guitarist later revealed that his childhood was tough after his father abandoned his mother.
The celebrated bass guitarist later revealed that his childhood was tough after his father abandoned his mother.
Being a surprise guest at the children’s home, the multi-award winning sungura guru was overwhelmed with the warm reception he received during his 53rd birthday celebrations last week on Thursday.
Macheso said being raised by a single parent was tough, adding that his mother later re-married and left him under the custody of his now late grandmother.
“I was taken down memory lane when I looked at those orphans.
“I was also abandoned at a tender age, but fortunately my grandmother raised me. My father abandoned us when we needed him most. My mother later re-married. I had a very difficult childhood as we lived from hand to mouth.
“I understand how these kids feel not growing up with a mother or father. I am here to share my life story with them and tell them that God is faithful. I am now a celebrated musician, but I hail from a very poor and tough background,” said Macheso in a side interview after the birthday celebrations.
He added: “I understand what it is like being an orphan. These children are the future leaders and parents regardless of their upbringing as orphans.
“I wanted to celebrate my birthday with them to make them realise that they are special.
“Growing up without their parents should not make them feel neglected,” he said.
He thanked the owner and director of the centre, William Pepukai, for inviting him to support such a worthy cause.
“When Willian invited me early this year I said my birthday would be the best day. Among these children is a future Macheso so I wanted to inspire them,” said Baba Sharo.
He said he never saw himself becoming a household sungura name, adding that it was all through God’s grace.
He urged other artistes to remain steadfast regardless of what comes their way.
Pepukai highlighted the importance of underprivileged children.
He gave an example of how former United States of America President, Barack Obama, grew up an orphan to become a Head of State.
“Let us join hands to assist these underprivileged children. It is not about huge amounts of money, but having big hearts. Whatever you have, no matter how little it is, its enough to help someone,” said Pepukai.
He thanked the Dave Munos Foundation, a brainchild of South Africa-based entrepreneur, David Munowenyu, for donating 40 chickens to the orphanage and pledging to donate 30 chickens each month for the next six months.
He said such donations will go a long way in improving the quality of life for the children at the centre.
Pepukai said Baba Shero is the third high profile guest who has visited the centre this year.
First Lady Amai Auxillia Mnangagwa and Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Senator Monica Mutsvanga, have also visited and made donations at the centre.
Baba vaShero was accompanied by some members of his Orchestra Mberikwazvo Band, among them lead dancer Selemani ‘Majuice’ Mpochi, dancer-cum vocalist Jonasi Kasamba and lead guitarist Noel Nyazanda.
His manager Tich Makahamadze and brother Lucky Macheso were also part of the entourage.
Kudavana Children’s home was established in 2006 as Murwira Children’s Home in Marange.
In 2015, it moved to its current location in Zimunya.
— Manica Post
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