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THERE is no place like home, so they say, and that’s true for rhythm guitarist Zacharia Zakaria.
Zaka Zaka, as he is affectionately known, rejoined Alick Macheso’s Orchestra Mberikwazvo, in 2020, nine years after quitting the outfit to pursue a solo career.
However, his return was briefly affected by Covid-19, which took him long to be unveiled before the fans.
Speaking during a recent show, Macheso revealed that Zaka Zaka was happy to be back home.
“There is Zaka Zaka for you, he is now very happy with his earnings.
“He came back home and he keeps on coming to me whispering in my ears saying, ‘brother, I am now happier than ever.’
“He is always saying he is now financially comfortable with his earnings at Orchestra Mberikwazvo.”
H-Metro got in touch with Zaka Zaka who revealed that his life was now better after coming back home.
“After leaving brother Alick Macheso, I did not fly anywhere,” he said.
“After coming back to Orchestra Mberikwazvo, we have already travelled across the world before flying to the UK many times.
“We have also travelled to Botswana. This is making me happier because we are one family,” he said.
He advised fellow artists to be creative.
“To all band leaders and members, I just advise you to persevere with your creativity rather than comparing yourselves with anyone and ask when you don’t understand, that way, we will go far.”
Zaka Zaka hailed Macheso for all the encouragement he gave him when he pursued his solo career.
“My brother Alick Macheso used to positively comment on the solo projects I did after leaving Orchestra Mberikwazvo,” he said.
“I was ambitious.
“I later came back to Macheso for us to move in one direction.
“When I came back, brother Macheso also saluted me for my bravery to go solo and for finally remembering to come back home.”
Zaka Zaka said he has a lot in common with Macheso.
“Our parents are originally from Malawi, our father is from Mangochi Village under Chief Chenkundika and our mother is from Lilongwe in Dowa under Chief Zingare.
“Our father, Maluwa Chekani Zakaria, is of the Soko totem and our mother, Anna Katunga of the Mwale totem, gave birth to eleven children.
“These siblings comprise seven girls and four boys.
“The first born is Junior, Salia, Nicholas, Cheisa, Swema, Maria, Susan, Asua Sarudzai, Alanje Angela, myself Zaka Zaka and Charles Benjamin Zakaria.
“Sadly, both parents and three sisters – Swema, Asua and Angela – died.
“I am now a father of four children with my wife, Doroth Mututu.
“Our first born is Lisa and we have Wayne, Keisha and Zayne Kudzwai Zakaria,” he said.
Zaka Zaka also opened up on his music history.
“I started playing this guitar when I was 10 years-old.
“My second born son is the only one into music,” he said.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter