"Pamusoroi Vabereki!" From Funeral Meme to Stage Gold: How Alick Macheso Is Turning Online Jokes Into Laughter!
Written By: Trust Khosa | Published: October 26, 2026 | 3 min read
While social media has had its fair share of fun at his expense, Sungura legend Alick Macheso is undoubtedly having the last laugh. The veteran musician has masterfully taken the online jokes in his stride, turning a viral catchphrase into a crowd-pleasing feature during his live performances.
For much of this year, it was the Sungura ace’s ever-changing hairstyles that dominated social media conversations. However, it was his emotional speech at the late businessman Wicknell Chivayo’s funeral wake—where he repeatedly used the phrase “pamusoroi vabereki, pamusoroi vana baba”—that truly went viral. Instead of shying away from the trolling, Macheso has weaponized the meme, making it his signature opening line.
A PR Masterclass
Macheso left revellers in stitches last Friday at Padziva Caravan & Camp when he deployed his newfound catchphrase during the commemoration of the late sungura icon Tongai “Dhewa” Moyo.
The Message Behind the Laughter
“Atanga futi kuti, ‘pamusoroi mudhara wedu uyu’,” he quipped on stage, drawing massive laughter from the crowd who immediately caught the viral reference.
Beneath the jokes, Macheso shared a profound message: “We need to embrace every moment in life and celebrate it without worrying too much about what happens next. Don’t put yourself under pressure in life. Just live your life and don’t cause other people to cry.”
Remembering Dhewa
Turning to the main programme of Dhewa’s commemoration, Macheso delivered a vintage performance. He paid a glowing tribute to his late colleague, describing Tongai Moyo as a perfectionist and a man of peace.
“I still miss him because we complemented each other. Not being able to see him in person is one of the things I dearly miss about Tongai Moyo. In this life, we are like passengers travelling on a bus. We may board together, but we get off at different stops. We never know when death will come and take one of our own.”
— Alick Macheso
Let Them Run Their Own Race
Macheso took time to express his immense pride in Dhewa's children, particularly Peter Moyo, who made the bold decision to exchange his football boots and shin pads for a guitar following his father’s death 15 years ago.
Quick Breakdown & Summary
Alick Macheso trended on social media primarily due to his emotional speech at the late Wicknell Chivayo’s funeral, where he repeatedly used the phrase “pamusoroi vabereki, pamusoroi vana baba.” Social media users turned the phrase into a meme, which Macheso has now embraced as a joke on stage.
The event at Padziva Caravan & Camp was a commemoration for the late sungura icon Tongai “Dhewa” Moyo, who passed away 15 years ago. The event was attended by his son Peter Moyo, Alick Macheso, and First Farai.
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