It is common the world over that musicians move from one group to another.
Report by Our Staff
But on the local scene one cannot help but pay attention to the drama that has been characterising the move by former Alick Macheso band members to form their own outfit Extra Kwazvose.
The new band is made up of Franco Slomo (real name Francis Dhaka), Jonas Kasamba, Obert Gomba, Noel Nyazanda and other musicians taken from Zakaria Zakaria’s band.
The band is expected to launch its debut offering Ndozviripo at their first significant gig at the Aquatic Complex in Chitungwiza on July 12.
The gig will either present the newcomers with a jump-start or a rude awakening, as they face their former paymasters as competitors and fight to split the fans.
Macheso’s fans in particular have been known to be die-hard fans and it is quite unlikely they will let the deserters of their adored musician, off the hook.
Facts have proven it will be a mammoth task considering efforts by Zaka Zaka, Innocent Mjintu and Njerama Boys that many may agree were in some instances exceptional, but were rubbished because they were deemed “anti-Macheso”.
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Macheso himself however managed to win the hearts of many music lovers when he deserted his former paymaster, Nicholas Zakaria.
Tongai Moyo who appeared a challenger, as well as Sulumani Chimbetu, suffered a great deal after declaring competition against Macheso.
What is certain though is that they have to play their part; produce good music, manage their image well and they too can be a success story.
The new band will be sharing the stage with Sulumani Chimbetu, Jah Prayzah, Peter Moyo and the Dembo Brothers.
Gomba said all the ground work has been done for the new album and they are waiting for Slomo to record the lead vocals when he comes back from the United Kingdom.
Firstly, they are facing the most formidable combination on the local musical scene (Sulu and Jah Prayzah) and secondly it will be the same “dreadful” fans that they are playing for in Macheso’s backyard, the Aquatic Complex.
“We have worked on this project for a long time, and I am happy to tell our fans that all has been set and the album will be launched at our first show,” said Gomba.
He added that they were happy to share the stage with the musicians of the moment, Chimbetu and Jah Prayzah.
“The Batai Munhu combination is the talk of the town so far, and we are happy to be sharing the stage with them,” he said.
One of the promoters of the show, Babra Chikosi aka “Mama Red Rose” of Red Rose Entertainment said she is ready to work with the “rebels”.
“Everything is in place and I am happy to be working with the new outfit, we give everyone a chance,” said Mama Red Rose.
The show will also be a test for Moyo who recently released his debut album Mushonga Mukuru.
