Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
IN life, our deeds are ultimately remembered once we depart from this thankless planet.
It is at a time like this that our true character — whether good or bad — is revealed by those who mourn us, without fear or favour.
For Nicholas “Madzibaba” Zakaria, the revered godfather of sungura music, who will be laid to rest today in Chivhakaira village, Chiweshe, under Chief Makope, history has indeed been made.
He touched the hearts of millions during his lifetime and remains a musical colossus whose shoes will be hard to fill for generations to come.
Madzibaba succumbed to diabetes complications and hypertension on Thursday at the Chitungwiza Central Hospital.
He was 69.
His was a life well-lived.
Sadly, in his final years, pain became a constant companion, as his health deteriorated, ridiculed on social media and betrayed.
He never recovered but was indeed a fighter.
He also remained a beloved figure to many who were mentored by him.
A soft-as-wool character, Madzibaba was described as a disciplinarian for those who were close to him.
Not only did he have a talent for keeping hotheads in check, he also transformed rascals into focused individuals.
Former band members actually say he literally did not spare the rod, as he sometimes did not hesitate to administer corporal punishment on wayward staffers. Because of this trait, others likened him to a school boarding master.
This insight came from Tafirei Nyamunda, a passionate rhythm guitarist who left Madzibaba’s Khiama Boys to join Alick Macheso’s Orchestra Mberikwazvo.
“I now realise how valuable he was because now I can see he was just trying his best to make me the better man I am today. Sungura guitarists can be naughty at times, and it’s hard to handle them because they are full of tricks,” chuckled Nyamunda on the sidelines of Madzibaba’s funeral wake on Thursday.
“Madzibaba and I were good friends, but I used to cross the line and misbehave since I was young. He used to warn us about sneaking out at night for girls or booze because he lost some of the young talent he groomed back in the day to STIs (sexually transmitted infections), which was his main worry.”
He also recounted how he became so notorious that Madzibaba had to include a line about him — “Tafie iwe usandishungurudza” — in the song “Mazano”.
“He referred to me in that song because I had become a nuisance, to say the least. I later realised he was concerned about my life, and that is why he ended up warning me in a song. I am now a changed person, and I am glad that he has passed after changing my life for the better.”
Former bass guitarist Nasho Azatti, who came in as a direct replacement for Alick Macheso in 1998, when the latter left to assemble Orchestra Mberikwazvo, shared the same sentiments.
“To be honest, words are not enough to explain the grief that I feel today because I am also a product of Madzibaba,” he shared.
“Madzibaba was a strict person who managed to instil discipline in us. He taught us about life, and I am glad that I managed to raise all my five children with the help I received from him. He never wanted us to behave like rascals because he saw a lot of potential in us. I will always miss him because he changed my life.”
Miles WeKhiama, a star dancer who was once reprimanded for misbehaving, said he learnt a lot of life lessons from the late musician.
“I joined him as a dancer in 1998, and I can safely say I learnt a lot from him,” he said.
“I remember at one point he whipped us in a lodge for misbehaving, and that made me change my behaviour because I was still young, naughty and unfocused.
“This alone has made me realise that I was destined for bigger things. I sometimes laugh at myself because he was only acting as a father.”
Being a unifier, he did not only assist male artistes but female ones as well. One of these was Sandra Ndebele, who easily penetrated Mashonaland with the assistance of Madzibaba and Alick Macheso.
Madzibaba played the father role by embracing her as a “daughter” who needed guidance.
“We performed together; he groomed me. I remember one day when we performed and didn’t get paid, and Mr Kaukonde came to our rescue. I remember the days when the line-up would mostly feature me, you and Baba Alick Macheso as the headliners, and you were indeed the senior lecturer,” reads Sandra’s online post in remembrance of Madzibaba.
“You taught me a lot during my first days in the industry, including the ups and downs of the business. Most importantly, you always taught me to respect those who came before me, as they know better and have more experience. We shared a strong daughter-father relationship. Go well, my father, Nicholas Zakaria.”
This post was enough to show the other side of Madzibaba — that his calling as a mentor was not limited by gender, ethnicity or tribe.
Pastor Charles Charamba and his wife Olivia, under their joint social media handle, The Charambas, highlighted the other side of Madzibaba’s rare gift and influence in society.
“May the gentle giant’s soul rest in the Lord. We are grateful to God for having been given such a gift. Our prayers are with the whole family, the nation and the music fraternity,” reads their message of appreciation ahead of the burial.
Zakaria’s finest product, Alick Macheso, spoke glowingly about him. Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Anselem Sanyatwe expressed profound sadness on the passing away of the music icon.
“He leaves behind a void that makes our arts sector poorer. His contribution to Zimbabwe’s music landscape will never be forgotten,” he shared on X.
With burial expected today, glowing tributes continue to pour in. May his soul rest in eternal peace!
Tinaye Agere