Alick Macheso in accident with Wicknell Chivayo-gifted Toyota Fortuner and the curse of Orchestra Mberikwazvo

The silver Toyota Fortuner GD6 sat crumpled on the shoulder of Mutoko Road, its rear and side panels a twisted testament to the violence of the impact. Near the Blue Ridge complex, a location already notorious for claiming lives, the king of Sungura, Alick Macheso, had just looked fate in the eye and blinked. For the thousands of fans who have followed “Extra Basso” for over three decades, the images circulating on social media were a terrifying reminder of how quickly a national treasure can be lost to the carnage of Zimbabwe’s highways.

Yet, as the dust settled and the sirens faded, a different, more unsettling narrative began to emerge. This was not just any car; it was a luxury SUV recently gifted to Macheso by the flamboyant businessman Wicknell Chivayo. And while Macheso himself walked away from the wreckage without a scratch, the accident has served as a catalyst for a deeper investigation into the string of misfortunes, illnesses, and mysterious deaths that have plagued his band, Orchestra Mberikwazvo, in recent years.

The Mutoko Road Incident

The accident occurred over a weekend that was already heavy with news of road tragedies across the country. Macheso, who was a passenger in the vehicle at the time, was spared the physical trauma that the state of the vehicle suggested. His manager and publicist, Tich Makahamadze, was quick to issue a statement to calm the rising tide of public anxiety.

“It’s true that Macheso was involved in an accident and those pictures of a Toyota Fortuner circulating are his car,” said Makahamadze.

The manager’s confirmation was followed by a crucial detail that provided relief to the “Orchestra Mberikwazvo” faithful: the musician was not the one behind the wheel.

“He was not behind the wheel and none of the passengers were injured,” Makahamadze added, ensuring the public knew that the entire team in the vehicle had escaped unharmed.

However, for many observers, the accident felt like the latest chapter in a long, dark book of misfortunes. While Macheso was safe this time, his band members have not been so lucky. The contrast between the lavish “blessings” of luxury cars from “Sir Wicknell” and the physical decay and tragedy within the band’s ranks has created a jarring disconnect that many in the community are struggling to reconcile.

The Mysterious Death of Barnabas Mandipota

The most recent and perhaps most chilling incident was the death of Barnabas Mandipota, a dedicated backing vocalist whose voice had become a staple of the Macheso sound. His passing was sudden, leaving a void in the band that was felt immediately during their live performances. During a recent show at Doek and Slay in Mutare, Macheso had to pause his performance, his voice thick with emotion, to announce the loss to a stunned audience.

While initial reports and social media speculation pointed toward travel-related risks or sudden illness, the family later sought to bring clarity to the tragedy. Speaking during the burial, Mandipota’s wife revealed that his death was a result of illness, yet the “mysterious” nature of how quickly he succumbed has kept the rumour mills turning. In the world of Zimbabwean entertainment, where the line between the physical and the spiritual is often blurred, Mandipota’s death is seen by some not as an isolated event, but as part of a wider, more malevolent pattern.

A Litany of Misfortunes: The Amputation of Jethro Machanja

The shadows over Orchestra Mberikwazvo extend far beyond the current lineup. Jethro Machanja, who served as Macheso’s manager for fifteen years between 2000 and 2015, recently underwent a life-altering procedure. At 53 years of age, Machanja had his left leg amputated at Chitungwiza Central Hospital following a grueling battle with diabetes.

The former manager, who was a pillar of the band during its rise to the pinnacle of Zimbabwean music, spoke from his hospital bed about the severity of his condition.

“My appeal to Zimbabweans is that we should get regular health tests for things like diabetes and BP,” Machanja stated. “If we are diagnosed with either BP or diabetes, we should always follow the advice of the medical experts.”

Reflecting on the rise of such debilitating illnesses, Machanja mused on the changing times.

“I’m sure these illnesses are caused by some of the foods that we eat today because in the past we did not have such illnesses or, when we had them, they were not this severe.”

While he expressed gratitude for the support of his family and former colleagues like William Tsandukwa and Kireni Zulu, his plight is a stark reminder of the physical toll that years in the industry can take.

Blindness and Strokes: The Guitarists’ Burden

Perhaps the most heartbreaking story within the band is that of Tafi Nyamunda. A veteran guitarist whose fingers helped craft the intricate melodies of Macheso’s greatest hits, Nyamunda has tragically lost his sight. He is now completely blind, a condition that initially plunged him into a deep depression.

Macheso himself has spoken about the efforts made to save Nyamunda’s vision.

“Tafi (Nyamunda) we tried to our best to restore his sight but it’s unfortunate. Mwari vakaita kuda kwavo,” Macheso told H-Metro.

Despite his blindness, Nyamunda continues to perform, guided onto the stage by his bandmates—a poignant image of loyalty amidst tragedy.

The misfortunes do not end there. Lucky Mumiriki, another legendary guitarist, has been battling the effects of a stroke since 2011. Just when it seemed he was on the path to recovery, the illness returned with a vengeance.

“At one point we thought Lucky Mumiriki had recovered but stroke yacho yakabva yamurova futi. It’s something that always gets me worried,” Macheso shared.

The recurring nature of Mumiriki’s health battles has forced him away from the stage for over a decade, yet Macheso continues to provide for his welfare, ensuring that the families of his fallen comrades do not go hungry.

The Ailing Stars: Majuicy and Elton Muropa

Even the band’s most energetic members are not immune. Selemani “Majuicy” Mpochi, the dancer whose acrobatic moves are a highlight of every Macheso show, has been conspicuously absent. When he finally appeared on stage recently, it was not to dance, but merely to show the fans he was still alive.

Macheso explained the dancer’s condition to the crowd:

“Those who have been asking about Majuicy’s whereabouts, you have seen him. But he is not here to perform, he is still unwell, makumbo ake achiri akamubata and the doctor said he should get enough rest. Hanzi mabhonzo haasi kuita zvakanaka.”

Majuicy is reportedly struggling with swollen legs, high blood pressure, and diabetes—a trio of ailments that have silenced his dancing shoes. Similarly, vocalist Elton Muropa has been missing from the stage for months due to an undisclosed illness.

“There is also Elton Muropa who has been ill for some time now. We just hope and pray that he recovers and joins the rest of the team,” Macheso said.

Accidents and Wheelchairs: The Case of Ponda Ponda

The hazards of the road have also left their mark. Taurai Miti, known to fans as Ponda Ponda, now uses a wheelchair following a road traffic accident in 2020. The accident, which occurred during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, left him with permanent mobility issues.

Ponda Ponda has been vocal about Macheso’s role as a caretaker during his darkest hours.

“Since I was involved in an accident during the Covid-19 period, mdhara Macheso has been taking care of me. From rentals, food and a lot of other issues,” Ponda Ponda revealed. “He is not doing this only to me, but all the other guys who are not well. I also want to thank his management for understanding and still consider us as part of them.”

The “Sir Wicknell” Contrast and the Cultural Narrative

The sight of Macheso receiving multi-thousand-dollar cars from Wicknell Chivayo while his band members suffer such varied and severe misfortunes has not gone unnoticed. Chivayo’s gifting spree, which includes a US$140,000 Mercedes Benz GLE400d for Macheso, has been criticised by some as ostentatious “blood money” philanthropy, especially as the businessman faces investigations into alleged corruption and money laundering.

In the streets of Harare and Chitungwiza, whispers of “juju” or spiritual interference have begun to take hold. Fans point to the sheer volume of misfortunes within a single group as evidence of something more than just bad luck. This sentiment is echoed in Macheso’s own music, specifically the song “Baba naMai,” where the lyrics seem to acknowledge the existence of such dark forces:

“Kana paine akashinhwa akaromba chikwambo. Ngaabude pachena chidzorerwe kumwene wacho. Chinopedza dzinza.” (If there is anyone who has used black magic or consulted a witchdoctor for a goblin, let them come out openly so it can be returned to its owner. It destroys generations.)

While Macheso himself has never publicly blamed the supernatural for his band’s woes, the lyrics suggest a deep awareness of the cultural beliefs that surround success and tragedy in Zimbabwe.

A Legend Navigating the Storm

As Macheso continues to tour, now in the Toyota Fortuner that nearly became his tomb, the weight of his “Orchestra Mberikwazvo” family rests heavily on his shoulders. He is a man who has achieved the highest levels of success, yet he is surrounded by the physical and spiritual decay of those who helped him get there.

The state of Zimbabwe’s roads, the lack of adequate healthcare for ageing artists, and the mysterious circumstances surrounding the deaths of his colleagues all form a backdrop to his continued performances. The accident on Mutoko Road was a narrow escape for the legend, but for many of his band members, the “highway” of their careers has already led to a dead end of illness and disability.

Macheso’s commitment to his team remains his most enduring quality. He continues to pay rentals, buy food, and seek medical help for men who haven’t stepped on a stage in ten years. But as the “Extra Basso” prepares for his next show, the question remains: how much longer can one man hold back the tide of misfortune that seems determined to silence the music of Orchestra Mberikwazvo?

The story of Alick Macheso is no longer just about the music or the luxury cars. It is an investigative journey into the heart of a band that has become a microcosm of the nation’s own struggles—a place where brilliance and tragedy walk hand in hand, and where a narrow escape on a dangerous highway is just another day in a life shadowed by fate.