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.
