ALICK Macheso, who turns 51 today, was a gambler, a bully
and troublesome pupil, a former classmate has said.
His childhood friend and classmate Karungo Gwaripo opened
up about Macheso’s past last week at Enterprise Primary School in Shamva where
the singer is set to build an Early Childhood Development (ECD) classroom block
as part of giving back to his former school.
Karungo, who is still in touch with Macheso, said they
don’t regret their past saying it was part of growing up.
“I was in the same class with Macheso in grade four and the
two of us were naughty and bullies who spent most of our school time doing
punishment.
“We planted most of the trees that you see here as we
performed our punishment and the late headmaster Mr Mukubvu would give us
corporal punishment but we remained hotheads despite his efforts,” he said
Karungo said he was confident his friend would become a top
musician as he used to entertain pupils during break time.
“Macheso would bring his home-made banjo which he used to
hide on the banks of Mutete River and he would then bring the guitar during
break time where he used to entertain us.
“We would come late for lessons after break as we watched
Macheso performing before a group of students and he would get punished for
bringing the guitar to school.
“I’m proud of Macheso’s wayward behaviour then because we
managed to contribute something to the school meaningfully by planting most of
the trees you see in this schoolyard.
“Each time I come here and see these trees, I’m reminded of
the past and to me it’s a triumph in disguise because we have left a legacy to
be cherished for years here,” he said.
The 53-year-old said they were also naughty to the extent
that their late headmaster almost gave up on them.
“We used to be gamblers and we also smoked chimonera and
our headmaster and teachers almost gave up on us.
“Macheso and I would bring cigarettes that we used to hide
near the river banks but one of our teachers Mr Mashayamombe caught us smoking
and gave us a thrashing and we quit school together with Macheso.
“When we quit school after being severely beaten, Macheso
went to Harare and I remained at the surrounding farms doing menial jobs,” he
said.
Karungo also praised Macheso for remembering his roots as
the singer is set to build a classroom block with the help of Enhanced
Mortgaging and Housing Africa (EMHA) where he is a brand ambassador.
EMH representatives attended the event where they pledged
to build a classroom block as part of Macheso’s request.
The offer was also part of celebrating Macheso’s 51st
birthday. H Metro
0 comments:
Post a Comment