Sungura maestro Alick Macheso has brought in two new band members following the departure of three of his band members.

The latest development comes after Macheso lost dancer Francis "Slomo" Dhaka, lead guitarist Noel Nyazanda and backing vocalist Elton Muropa to Sulumane Chimbetu's Orchestra Dendera Kings.

Cheso Power manager William "Yellow" Tsandukwa confirmed that they had indeed hired First Sakala and Wilson Mega as a dancer and backing vocalist respectively.

"We have brought in First and Wilson to help prepare for the new season as you can see here we are having rehearsals.

"I am sure that you are well aware of the pressure that we are facing, but we are not particularly bothered by that as we have brought in the experienced Mega, who was part of Daiton Somanje's band, and Sakala, who had a stint with us sometime back," said Tsandukwa.

Sakala was groomed by First Farai and left Hurudza Express for Khiama Boys before crossing over to join Orchestra Mberikwazvo back then and now he has bounced back at Macheso's outfit.

Tsandukwa denied that members who had deserted his band did so because they were underpaid, citing competition as the main reason. "There is no reason why people should say that we did not pay Franco and Noel well, when we are the second best paying group after (Oliver) Mtukudzi.

"This group has many talented people who compete to perform at shows and are sometimes substituted by others. This did not go down well with some members who opted to move," Tsandukwa said.

It was thought that "‘Slomo", who departed to join Sulumane's band was uncomfortable with the arrival of Selemani "Majuice" Mpochi, who was equally good, if not better.

This reporter witnessed "Majuice" leading the dancing practice, suggesting that he had assumed the leadership role of the Orchestra Mberikwazvo dancers.

A duplication of roles amongst Macheso's guitarists occurred last year after some guitarists resorted to playing rhythm instead of lead guitars, which was not their area of specialty leading to a misunderstanding that required the intervention of the manager.