Trust Rukwava
Centre News Arts and Entertainment Hub
Masvingo- Scores of music lovers in Masvingo have poured heartfelt tribute following the untimely death of Sungura music icon “Madzibaba” Nicholas Zakaria who was laid to rest at his rural home in Chiweshe on Sunday 14 December.
Madzibaba was a respected music mentor who nurtured great talents at his Khiama Boys base, leading among them Alick Macheso, the late System Tazvida and his young brother a renowned guitarist Zakaria Zakaria among others.
A funeral service was held in his honour on Saturday December 13 at Chibuku Stadium in Chitungwiza where thousands gathered to bid farewell to the music maestro.
Fans in Masvingo expressed heartfelt grief over the sudden departure of a legend who had mesmerized them at musical gigs in the ancient city and on their radio and television sets in their homes. His music was widely followed and played even at work place offices, cars and in buses for travelers.
A fan only identified as Mai Sama said she felt like she lost her own father.
“Madzibaba was a father figure in music. I was waiting for national hero status did I miss that. Go well legend you preached love and unity. The grandfather of sungura, the Senior Lecturer.” said Mai Sama.
Another fan Aaron Simba said what Nicholas Zakaria did in music can never be erased.
“The sungura guru has rested you left an indelible mark in the music industry. You are irreplaceable Madzibaba. Rest in peace mudhara.” said Simba.
A Masvingo music promoter who preferred anonymity said Madzibaba was a reliable man to work with and used to entertain sungura fans at demised local pubs, Sarudzai night club, Ritz night club, Farai Beer hall and Mandava Hotel.
Most of the pubs have since closed down due to economic woes while Mandava hotel was acquired by Great Zimbabwe University and turned into the Mucheke Campus.
“We have lost a crowd puller for our shows. He was an honest and reliable man. I pay my condolences to the Zakaria family for the loss of a father figure in the music industry may his soul rest in peace.” said the promoter.
He was also commanded large followings at his shows in the rural districts of Mpandawana in Gutu, Chivi growth point, Jerera growth point in Zaka, Rutenga in Mwenezi, Chiredzi and Nyika growth point in Bikita.
Madzibaba formed Khiama boys around 198r4 and mentored so many young talented musicians among them sungura music genre icon Macheso. Scores of people from all walks of life thronged Chibuku stadium and his rural home Chiweshe to pay their last respect.
