Chart-topping, Record-breaking king of Sungura has done it again. Alick Macheso and the Orchestra Mberikwazvo, his backing outfit present Pupurai.

Still riding on the crest of a wave with Zvido Zvenyu Kunyanya two years after its release, Alick Macheso and the Orchestra Mberikwazvo are back with their sixth album, Vapupuri Pupurai.

This comes at a time when Alick Macheso has made history by selling more than one million units of his music in his five albums combined. Macheso, now getting acclaim both locally and outside the country continues to consistently create and produce unique sounds that have propelled him to the summit of Zimbabwean music. Most of his shows are packed to capacity and this is also translated into sales as people still by albums such as Magariro, Macheso’s debut album.

This is a seven-track album with Muronda Tsimba being a bonus track on the CD. Vapupuri Pupurai is set to break more records and propel Chesopower, as he is affectionately known by his fans to grater heights. On Vapupuri Pupurai, The King of Sungura continues to lead the way churning out a brand of Sungura music that grows in maturity with every album he is releasing, a true reflection of the two decades he has been in the music industry. His variation in sound ensures that everyone is catered for and this is set to be an album that will provide those who want to dance with over an hour of non-stop activity.

His investigation and explanation of social reality through a socio-cultural approach promises to strike accord with many a listener. Macheso’s strong command of African languages such as Shona and Chewa provides him with an edge as he freely articulates issues using a lyrical style that encompasses both the young and old.

Alick’s social commentary touches on issues to do with love, life in marriage and a strong family unit both from the perspective of an external observer and of the social actors involved. This is captured in the advice in most of the songs on this scintillating work of art.

This album’s appeal is sure to go beyond Zimbabwe’s borders as Alick Macheso’s ingenuity allows him to combine three languages on one of the tracks, Amake Boyi. On this track, he features his native Chewa, Shona and Kiswahili, the official language of several East-African countries to produce what promises to be an instant hit.

Vapupuri Pupurai seeks to confirm Macheso’s artistic capabilities and is an album set to expand Mberikwazvo’s fan-base. All tracks on this album have a uniqueness in sound unrivalled and it only remains for the fans to sit down and listen to what promises to be another all-time seller.

By Masimba Kuchera –Music Analyst