SUNGURA maestro Alick Macheso proved that he still reigns supreme as he thrilled multitudes of fans at the 17th edition of the annual Army Charity Horse Race gig held at the Borrowdale Race Course last Sunday.
Popularly known as Cheso Power, the Sungura giant revealed to thousands gathered at the race course that he still generates more power despite the exit of some of his key band members and dancers in 2013.
Members that left, labelled as ‘rebels’, formed their own group, Extra Kwazvose.
Sunday’s performance, however, displayed that Macheso is still the king of Sungura as revellers danced while some stood transfixed.
With his antics on the bass guitar Macheso coordinated well with other guitarists in the band.
Majuice, the energetic and flexible dancer that replaced Slomo, displayed unique and eye catching dances during the performance of the song “Amai vaRuby”, which left the crowd crying for more.
The song was not only entertaining but took revellers down memory lane to the early days of Macheso in the music industry.
Macheso surprised revellers by playing the song “Tafadzwa Nyarara”.
He composed the song for his ex-wife Tafadzwa Mapako during happier times but the two had an acrimonious divorce.
Macheso’s emotions during the performance of the song left many crowds believing that the Sungura King still has feelings for his ex- lover or he could have forgiven her for the damage Tafadzwa did to his music career during their divorce.
Man-of- the -moment Jah Prayzah did not disappoint as he thrilled fans offering his latest album Kumbumura Mhute .
The horse race was a culmination of various activities that seek to raise funds for the army charities.
Some of the fundraising activities that preceded the race were the Commander ZNA Charities Ball, and the ZNA Charity Shield Soccer Tournament.
Addressing participants at the race meeting, Zimbabwe Defence Forces Commander General Constantine Chiwenga said the corporate sector should continue to support charities and not just focus on profit making.
“The trend these days is to consider what one gains from every activity that they undertake, but in charity work there is no room for that,” he said.
“Charity work calls for the kind-hearted, who sacrifice their time and resources in assisting society’s disadvantaged members to make ends meet and survive.”
Speaking at the same occasion Mashonaland Turf Club chairperson Brian Black applauded Zimbabweans for their everlasting spirit of assisting the needy despite the prevailing economic hardships.
He said the spirit of giving upholds the Zimbabwean cultural values of ubuntuism.
“ZNA Charity Horse Race is a reflection of a cultural dispensation that has earned us the world’s respect as a peaceful, loving and caring nation, oftentimes carrying each other’s burden even in times of tribulation ,” he said.
“We believe it is honourable and blessed to reach out to the call of the needy, which is the essence of the spirit of ubuntu, the chief cornerstone of the Zimbabwean cultural value system.
The ZNA has five charities under its domain that include Tsanga Lodge Convalescence Centre, ZNA Schools Welfare Trust Fund, ZNA Widows and Orphans Trust Fund, Benevolent Fund and ZNA Patient Welfare Fund.
These charities take care of the disadvantaged members of the ZNA and their dependents.
Two more events, the Bulawayo Dinner Dance and the Bakers Inn/Army Charities will be held on October 17 and 18.