Mathew Masinge
FRIDAY the 13th!
It’s a combination which, among those who believe in superstition, has a touch of misfortune.
The believers say the number 13 and Friday have a long history of bringing bad luck.
Some say it started with Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus, who is thought to have been the 13th guest to sit down for the Last Supper.
Some hotels around the world do not have Room 13, a lot of tall buildings do not a 13th floor and even some airlines do not have Row 13 in their cabins.
Today is Friday and superstar Alick Macheso will unveil his album number 13, ‘Kupa Kuturika,’ at Alex Sports Club in Harare tonight.
The wait is finally over but will it be a HIT or a MISS?
If it’s a MISS, there will inevitably be some superstitious people who will say it was all bound to fail because of the combination of Friday and the 13th.
If the album is a HIT there will be many who will say that the fortunes of superstars like Macheso are not tied to superstition but talent and hard work.
Whatever the case, we can hardly wait.
Could this be the superstar’s defining moment as he rolls back the years to a time when every album he released as a big hit?
Will Macheso usher in another set of new hits, just like back in the days, when everything he touched used to turn to gold?
The album carries six tracks – Kuverengera, Zvichada Hama, Murangarire, Undiregererewo, Murangarire, Kunditaya and Hunhu Hwakashata.
Macheso has included an array of supporting acts – Enzo Ishall, Feli Nandi, Saintfloew, Cheso Boys and the Chillspot Family.
Macheso’s publicist, Tich Makahamadze, said their camp is geared up for the launch.
“It’s all systems go and just like we promised the album is worth the wait and we sacrificed our all in it.
“The stage is set and the show is on, we will not disappoint,” said Makahamadze.
In an interview with Skywalker on Star FM’s Sungura Wednesday Macheso denied reports that this will be his last album.
“Aiwa hatisati takusiya, kana muromo uchiripo, maoko nemakumbo achiri kutamba Borrowdale tinoimba kusvika voice rapera,” said Macheso.
Responding to a question posed by a listener as to why he changed venue from his ceremonial home at Chitungwiza Aquatic Complex, Macheso said:
“Kune vaivepo ku Aquatic Complex pakataka launcher vakadzokera kumba, kune vamwe vanoti tinotya kukura tinoramba tichitambira panzvimbo one.
“Saka takaedza kutambanudza kuti tiitirewo pakati pari nyore uye Alex Sports Club inzvimbo isingarase, takaita kuti tiisewo pedyo,” he said.
Macheso’s die-hard fans are hoping to get a quality product and have promised to come out in their numbers.
Tickets for the launch are going for US$10 for an ordinary ticket and US$20 for a VIP ticket.
They are available at the venue, Aquatic Complex and at Total Service Station at the corner of Chinhoyi Street and Robert Mugabe Avenue in Harare.