. . . Ngwazi, Mutambi prove the blueprint’s power at Wedza gala
Simbarashe Namusi
At the 2025 Heroes and Defence Forces Gala at Kujeke Grounds in Wedza, Alick Macheso was nowhere in sight.
But his presence was everywhere.
As Simon Mutambi launched into Chembere Yako and later Zverudo Imbomira, and Mark Ngwazi fired up the crowd with Nyaradzo Yababa, it became clear that sungura’s most potent weapon — the ‘Macheso formula’ — was still delivering knockout blows.
That formula? A thumping, melodic bass guitar.
Socially relevant, crowd-conscious lyrics.
A distinctive rhythm guitar that keeps bodies moving all night.
Macheso perfected it in 1997 when he broke away from Khiama Boys to form Orchestra Mberikwazvo, elevating the bass from background to frontman.
Songs like Mundikumbuke and Charakupa didn’t just make you dance — they told your story.
Today, the new wave has picked up that torch.
Mutambi blends morality and melody.
Ngwazi injects humour and social commentary.
And DT Bio Mudimba’s Kujata Jata proved that a bass-driven, socially conscious hit can dominate streaming platforms as easily as a rural gala.
In a music scene packed with Zimdancehall and Afrobeats, sungura’s live instrumentation and relatable storytelling still stand out.
Call it nostalgia if you must — but in 2025, the Macheso formula is less about looking back and more about staying on top.
At Wedza, even without Macheso on stage, the crowd’s reaction said it all: when the bass thumps, sungura still wins.
