Alick Macheso

Alick Macheso is a sungura musician from Zimbabwe.

He was born in 1968 in Shamva, 90km north of Harare, to parents of Malawian origin. He sings in Shona, Chichewa, Sena, Venda and Lingala. Growing up on a farm before Zimbabwe's Independence in 1980 did not offer many opportunities. In 1983, when he was 15, he left the farm for Harare at the invitation of a relative, Zacharia, who had been inspired by his guitar prowess. The two embarked on a musical journey, joining several bands, mostly sungura outfits. In 1997, Macheso broke ranks with Zacharia to form his own Orchestra Mberikwazvo.

In 1998, Macheso released his debut album, 'Mugariro', which included the song 'Pakutema Munda'. The following year he released 'Vakiridzo', which got a similarly lukewarm response. He went back into the studio and came out 12 months later with 'Simbaradzo'. His turning point in his career was through hits such as 'Mundikumbuke' and 'Mai Rubhi' putting Macheso in the limelight. The album was followed by 'Zvakanaka Zvakadaro' and 'Zvido Zvenyu Kunyanya' (2003).

Today Macheso is well-known throughout Southern Africa and is ranked among the best bass guitarists in the region. His album 'Simbaradzo' remains one of the the best-selling Zimbabwe albums of all time.