SUNGURA musician Alick Macheso has dismissed the view that he is now a spent force arguing that he remains pertinent to the contemporary music landscape.

The musician said fans should also consider music’s progression and diversity as time goes on.

Macheso's latest album Kupa Kuturika has received a mixed reception from fans, with some labelling him a spent force.

He, however, said this narrative was being pushed by his “enemies” who don't want to see some form of music transformation.

“We are aware of what is happening in the industry,” Macheso said.

“I am against the view that I am a spent force, but l will say some people are adamant against change.

“Should we always stick and play Shedia or Charakupa all the time?

“As Orchestra Mberikwazvo, we just feel new music is good.”

Macheso said there were people trying to discredit him using the ,"spent force" tag.

“There is money changing hands with people being funded to discredit us,” Macheso said.

“We are aware of everything that is happening and this started a long time ago.

“We have instances where our beats have been stolen before production just to discredit us.”

Macheso introduced certain styles and forms of sungura music into the mainstream music scene so well that it was adopted by all and sundry.

However, there has been a shift in the beat in his last three albums which has sparked a lot of debate among fans.

Meanwhile, Macheso said he has come up with a strategy to curb piracy.

“My management came up with this strategy,” he said.

“We sat down and agreed to release the album that way.

“It’s our marketing strategy, and we decided to release the songs on intervals.”

He said he was aware of a number of pirates waiting to pounce on him had he released all the songs on the album at the launch.