Alick Macheso & Orchestra Mberikwazvo
Biography -- Discography

Biography

The late 90s have seen Alick Macheso emerge as one of the most popular contemporary Zimbabwean musicians. Born in 1968, Macheso spent his youth cutting his teeth in local bands. Macheso honed his bass-playing skills and distinctive sungura beat with bands such as the Khiama Boys.

Macheso decided to splinter from the Khiama Boys in the late 90s. Assembling an eight-member band with the help of Bhundu Boy Rise Kagona, Orchestra Mberikwazvo, Alick set out to carve his own niche in the Zim music scene. Although his first two albums weren't phenomenal successes, his third, Simbaradzo, proved to be a gold mine. Simbaradzo sold 350 000 copies, breaking Zimbabwean records for album sales. Additionally, the album shot Macheso to stardom throughout Zimbabwe and parts of Africa. His trademark bass-strumming technique, along with his falmboyant dancing, garnered attention from all corners of the music industry. His follow up to Simbaradzo, Zvakanaka Zvakadaro, was also a success, reportedly selling 100 000 copies in its first week alone.

Macheso has recently ventured into the international scene with a successful appearance at the Southern African Summer Sunsplash Festival held in London, England in June 2002. He released his fifth album, Zvido Zvenyu Kunyana, in May 2003.

Alick Macheso is also one of only three Zimbabwean musicians with his own website - www.chesopower.co.zw.

Daily News - Macheso Riding Crest of Popularity
Daily News - Simbaradzo Breaks Records

Macheso: still together and producing music >> The Herald (22 April 03)

Discography

Zvido Zvenyu Kunyanya	Gramma	2003
Zvakanaka Zvakadaro	Gramma	2001
Simbaradzo	Gramma	2000
Vakiridzo	Gramma	1999
Mangariro	Gramma	1998

Simbaradzo

Released: 2000
Label: Gramma
Format: CD
Running Time:
Stocked by: Stern's, Zimsounds

Simbaradzo is Macheso's standout release. Breaking Zimbabwean records for units sold, Macheso hit the prime time with hits such as Amai vaRuby. Simbaradzo catapulted Alick to the forefront of African music and even to some international exposure. A lively dance-guitar album, Simbaradzo reminds of Chimbetu as well as some Congolese rhumba artists.

Zvakanaka Zvakadaro

Released: 2001
Label: Gramma
Format: CD
Running Time: 8 tracks.
Stocked by: Zimsounds

Zvakanaka Zvakadaro is Macheso's follow-up to the record-breaking Simbaradzo. It reported sold more than 100 000 copies in it's first few weeks. The album is pretty good, but its similarity to his other work and over-borrowing of Congolese sounds puts its behind the better Simbaradzo. Mona Lisa is a great song. Available online through Zimsounds. (Audio clips are in .mp3 format.)

Zvido Zvenyu Kunyanya

Released: 2003
Label: Gramma
Format: CD
Running Time: 8 tracks.
Stocked by:

Macheso's latest album includes songs such as Madhawu and Wemakonzo. While not as big a hit as Simbaradzo, it's still a commercial sungura success. CDs include Shediah and Kushungurudzwa, bonus tracks from previous albums, Vakiridzo and Magariro, respectively.