Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
Tributes continue to pour in for sungura legend Nicholas Zakaria, fondly known as “Madzibaba” and the “Senior Lecturer”, who died yesterday, at the age of 69. Zakaria had been battling diabetes and hypertension.
His protégés and fellow artistes have shared heartfelt messages, reflecting on the immense impact he had on Zimbabwean music.
One of his most prominent mentees, Alick Macheso, described his mentor as a loving soul, who dedicated his life to nurturing talent in the sungura scene.
“Today is the day we are wounded in the flesh, a wound that will never heal, a wound that hurts us, the living. We have lost our father, Baba Zakaria, who was our source and bridge in music. We have lost a hero. His works and songs will forever be part of us,” Macheso said.
Jazz and Marabi musician Jeys Marabini described the Senior Lecturer as a perfectionist whose passing leaves an irreplaceable gap in the music scene.
“I’m saddened by the death of Nicholas Zakaria. He was a great musician, who mentored and inspired many. He left a huge mark in the industry and spoke through his music. May his soul rest in peace; we will stay comforted by his music,” said Marabini.
Musician Sandra Ndebele recalled Zakaria as a father figure who supported her early career in the 2000s.
“Madzibaba Zakaria was like a father to me. He groomed me, guided me through the ups and downs and taught me how to manoeuvre in the industry. We had a great father-daughter relationship, and I will forever cherish that. Go well, my father,” she said.
Amapiano star Mzoe 7 recounted meeting Zakaria at a gala, highlighting his humility and generosity.
“The death of Ubaba UZakaria is a shock and one of the most painful moments for us as musicians, not just in Zimbabwe or Africa, but worldwide.
“Despite his achievements, he was humble and always accommodated young artistes, offering advice to help us thrive. We lost a great soul,” Mzoe 7 said.
Nicholas Zakaria, born in 1957 in Mazowe, was a trailblazer in the sungura music genre, with a career that spanned more than four decades.
In 1984, he founded the iconic band, the Khiama Boys, which quickly became a household name across Zimbabwe.
Beyond his own performances, Zakaria played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of several musicians who would go on to become major stars, including Alick Macheso and the late System Tazvida.
Bongani Ndlovu