Alick Macheso in a fix as members desert Orchestra Mberikwazvo

Francis Dhaka at work with new boss Sulumane Chimbetu. Sungura kingpin Alick Macheso is in a fix after four key members of his Orchestra Mberikwazvo band left him for Orchestra Dendera Kings, fronted by Suluman Chimbetu.

The “deserters” include nimble-footed dancer Francis Dhaka, popularly known as Franco Slomo; Elton Muropa (backing vocalist); Noel Nyazanda (lead guitarist) and dancer Peter “Majuice” Muponji. Except for Majuice, the remainder worked with Macheso for more than eight years.

Macheso told Radio Zimbabwe yesterday that he was unmoved.
“Slomo is gone, but I can promise you there is going to be a Slomo More soon,” he said.

His most trusted lieutenant, William Tsandukwa, said only three members left the band. “It is only Muropa, Slomo and Majuice who are going. We are, however, not short of staff. “The only person we needed was a backing vocalist whom we have since got from Daiton Somanje.
“As for dancers, we have got many of those; we are not even worried about guitarists.”


Slomo confirmed his move. “I can only speak for myself that I have left Macheso on good terms. I talked to him,” he said.
“I have been with him for a while now, but there comes a time in life when one has to move on.”

The dancer was offered a lucrative deal by Chimbetu that will see him get a Mercedes-Benz E Class worth US$10 000 as the signing fee.
In addition, he is set to land a senior position in the band as well as an attractive salary which he refused to divulge.

He will work in the frontline with two other dancers.Chimbetu is expected to put his new ensemble to the test at Jazz 105 on January 13.