South African music star Makhadzi’s scheduled performance at the inaugural Cheso Power Festival in Harare later this month is facing uncertainty amid growing calls for her visit to Zimbabwe to be cancelled.
The award-winning singer, born Ndivhudzannyi Ralivhona, is among the headline acts booked to perform at the July 31 event at Alex Sports Club. The festival has been organised to celebrate the achievements and enduring contribution of sungura music icon Alick Macheso.
The event is being promoted by Chipaz Promotions in partnership with Macheso’s management and is expected to feature a number of leading local and regional artistes.
However, recent anti-xenophobia campaigns on social media have cast doubt over Makhadzi’s participation. Some Zimbabweans have urged organisers to bar the South African performer in response to reported xenophobic attacks targeting Zimbabwean nationals in South Africa.
Festival promoter Partson “Chipaz” Chimbodza said the agreement to bring Makhadzi to Zimbabwe had been reached before the current tensions emerged. He explained that whether she eventually performs will depend on how the situation develops in both countries.
Chipaz stressed that he has maintained professional relationships with artists across the region throughout his career and remains committed to working with musicians from different markets.
He said preparations for the festival are progressing well despite the uncertainty surrounding Makhadzi’s appearance.
“Developments on the ground will determine whether she is able to travel to Zimbabwe,” Chipaz said.
“If circumstances prevent her from coming, that will not affect the good relationship we have built with her. We also appreciate every artist on the programme and have full confidence in the line-up.”
He added that his company remains open to collaborating with Makhadzi on future events should this year’s appearance fail to materialise.
“Our relationships with artists have always been based on professionalism, and we believe there will always be opportunities to work together in the future,” he said.
Chipaz said his immediate priority is ensuring that the Cheso Power Festival becomes a memorable celebration of Macheso’s career.
“We are working hard to promote the festival and make it a success. The line-up has been carefully assembled so that fans receive value for their money, and we will continue marketing the event until the day it takes place.”
The promoter, who has invested significantly in staging the inaugural festival, believes Macheso deserves recognition while he is still actively contributing to the music industry.
When the event was first announced earlier this year, Chipaz described Macheso as one of Zimbabwe’s most influential entertainers, saying it was important to honour artists during their lifetime rather than after their careers have ended.
The festival is expected to feature performances by Kurai Makore, Freeman, Peter Moyo, Ndolwane Super Sounds, Bling 4, Xiba, the Chillspot Family, Tocky Vibes, Killer T and several other popular acts alongside Macheso.
Macheso’s camp has expressed confidence that the festival will live up to expectations.
Publicist Tichaona Mahakamadze welcomed the initiative, saying celebrations that recognise the contributions of living legends are important for the country’s music industry.
He said Orchestra Mberikwazvo is fully prepared for the event and looks forward to delivering an unforgettable performance for supporters.
Mahakamadze added that Macheso has always embraced collaborations with musicians from different genres and remains open to working with a wide range of artists, a philosophy he believes will help make the inaugural Cheso Power Festival a memorable occasion.
