Antony Chawagarira
HARARE — Contrary to earlier reports circulating on social media suggesting that Orchestra Mberikwazvo (OMK) leader Alick Macheso had blocked the delivery of billionaire philanthropist Sir Wicknell Chivayo’s pledged vehicles for members of his band, the sungura outfit received 10 Aqua vehicles this afternoon.
Chivayo officially handed over the fleet after its shipment from Dubai, putting to rest speculation surrounding the delivery of the vehicles pledged to the band members.
“This afternoon I had the greatest pleasure of handing over 10 Toyota Aquas to members of Aleck Macheso’s Band Orchestra Mberikwazvo,” he wrote.
He said the band deserved to be recognised and celebrated for spending almost three decades entertaining Zimbabweans.
“This is a band that has spent almost THREE DECADES entertaining Zimbabweans, producing timeless music and creating unforgettable memories for generations of fans. Such remarkable consistency, loyalty and dedication to our music industry deserves to be recognised and celebrated,” he said.
He urged the band to continue entertaining fans and supporting Macheso in preserving and growing his musical legacy.
There are also reports that another 15 Aquas are on their way for the remaining band members.
Receiving the vehicles on behalf of his boss, OMK spokesperson Tich Makahamadze thanked Chivhayo for recognising the band’s remarkable contribution to Zimbabwean music over the past 30 years.
Makahamadze expressed gratitude to Chivayo for acknowledging OMK’s three decades of keeping the sungura beat alive and for honouring his pledge to the musicians.
The handover marks another milestone for the celebrated group, which has built a massive following through Macheso’s distinctive brand of sungura music.
The development also comes against the backdrop of social media claims that had portrayed Macheso in a negative light over the delayed vehicle delivery.
The colourful handover ceremony was captured on video, with the newly delivered fleet providing visual confirmation of Chivayo’s fulfilled pledge.
