AKON & ALICK MACHESO CREATE CHESO POWER CLOTHING LINE

Macheso Plans to Revamp Clothing Line

12 September 2009

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Harare — SUNGURA maestro Alick Macheso is set to revamp his clothing line Cheso Power following a fact-finding mission to China, where the regalia will be manufactured.
The musician's team, which arrived in Zimbabwe this week, had been tasked to do a market research and scout for a manufacturing company to produce a wide range of products carrying the Cheso Power logo.

"The team brought samples of the products with our logo.
We are now working on the design which needs touch ups so that it appeals to the international market," Macheso said.

He said the decision was reached after realising that local artistes needed to keep abreast with evolving fashion trends. "The world is fast changing and as musicians we need to move with the times. If an artiste in the United Kingdom can afford to do that why not us here?

"Does it mean that we are not capable? No, I want to prove to the nation that we too can manage," he said.
Cheso Power will be on different products ranging from casual wear, toys and other accessories. He said his objective was to reach out to all his fans around the world.

"After receiving the first batch, we are going to launch a marketing campaign around the country. We are going to explore other possible ways on how best we can supply the products to other countries.
"But we are going to have a shop in town where all the products will be on sale while some will be sold during our shows."
Macheso also said he was grateful to have links around the globe, citing Akon as one of the artistes who were fully behind the idea.

"I have already started selling the idea to my friends around the world with Akon already having the Cheso Power T-Shirt.
"Another thing that I am very particular about is quality. The products are going to be of high quality although those that will be locally produced will be available at affordable prices," he said.
Macheso said this would also create employment for the community. Part of the proceeds would be channelled towards charity.
"Remember there's life after music, so we need to prepare for tomorrow. It is part of our responsibility to take care of the less privileged people in our community.
"Part of the proceeds will go to charity while the rest will be invested in the organisation," he explained.

Copyright © 2009 The Herald. All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com).

Alick Macheso: 'Extrabasso' a Genius

Alick Macheso's fascination with Internet is now apparent.


The sungura musician, popularly known as Extrabasso, portrays his fascination with cyberspace technology through his lyrics.

Often during live shows, Extrabasso takes time to poke fun at his band members who will be soaking it out on stage.
"Zaka Zakaria! Anobva kuMalawi, akaberekerwa kuMazowe akamira pazvake, ndiyo office yake iyoyi, achi e-mailer, achi websiter, achifacsa facsa, achifacsa. Ari tii!"
But one hopes Extrabasso would also include twitter, blog and facebook.
The world over twitter has become an instant hit. Twitter is a unique approach to communication and networking based on the simple concept of status.
What are you doing? What are your friends doing right now? With twitter, you may answer this question over SMS or the web and the responses are shared between contacts.
As for facebook, it is basically a social forum network where friends can interact and share photo albums or invite each other for a particular event.
In one of the many interviews with his assistant manager, Jethro Machaya admitted that Extrabasso was a computer freak.
"Of course, mdhara has made computers his best toys. Usually he likes to use computers whenever he is at home relaxing.
"That is how he updates himself with the latest news and current events," he said.
Perhaps those who thought Extrabasso was backward in any way should think again. Some of us who have been following the musician closely would be the first to admit that Extrabsso is one of the geniuses of our time.
Do not let his simplicity fool you because even when he knows something he does not show it until he opens his mouth. He looks at life in general, makes it his own and then tells it like it is.
This is why most of his songs endear to multitudes of fans apart from the booming basslines and stage antics.
Even the way he composes his songs would tell you that he is one of the most blessed musicians to ever come out of Zimbabwe.
Songs that quickly come to mind include Wemakonzo, Madhawu, Charakupa, Baba NaMai, Murume, Sarah, Pertunia and Chengetai among others.
There is no doubt that all his songs are sure fire hits and the upcoming album which features the track Chimoko Changu is already making hit waves.
The song always appears on his playlist and whenever it is jammed fans stomp their feet.

Copyright © 2009 The Herald. All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com).