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Trust Khosa, Harare Bureau

SUNGURA ace Alick Macheso is preparing to launch his 13th album next weekend at Alex Sports Club in Harare.

He announced the launch at the beginning of the year, much to the delight of his fans. Initially, the launch was set for June 7, before it was postponed due to bad weather. It was set to coincide with his 56th birthday.

At the launch of the album titled Kupa Kuturika, Macheso will be backed by Saintfloew, Feli Nandi, Enzo Ishall, Andy Muridzo, Chillspot, and Cheso Boys.

His publicist, Tichaona Makahamadze, said everything is on course.

“We have done all the necessary work to ensure that the album launch lives up to expectations. The album is ready and we are just waiting to unveil it to the fans,” he said.

The Orchestra Mberikwazvo boss has been ruling the roost in sungura for the past 26 years, after a stint with Khiama Boys. A father figure in showbiz, Macheso remains a torch bearer whose music continues to touch the hearts of many.

Macheso, who is also grooming his two sons — Esau and Tatenda — has been hailed for his mentorship programme. The sons, who have since recorded an album titled Pahukama Hwedu, are also expected to feature at their father’s album launch.

“The boys (Esau and Tatenda) have been doing well and we’re happy they are making real progress. We’re going to rope them in at the album launch as our supporting acts. The full line-up will be announced in due course, as we want the event to be big,” Makahamadze said.

The launch next week Friday comes at a time when researchers and academics have been using Macheso’s music in their studies.

“So popular is our music that researchers are now using it in their studies. We’re proud that we have people who have been using our music in their studies. It shows that we’re now a big brand that has been embraced by many. The faith that academics and other fans have been showing us is overwhelming,” he added.

Macheso’s last album launch for Tinosvitswa NaShe was held at Chitungwiza Aquatic Complex in 2022, where some fans were turned away after the venue was packed to the rafters.

It remains to be seen whether Macheso will pull a record crowd at Alex Sports Club.