Online Reporter
Takawira Dapi-Zimpapers Art, Entertainment Hub
sungura giant Nicholas “Madzibaba” Zakaria has made an urgent appeal for prayers as he battles poor health.
The iconic musician, known for his profound influence on the genre, was unable to attend a much-anticipated family show alongside his son in music, Franco Slomo, at Zebra Village.
In a heartfelt message shared from his home, Madzibaba expressed his distress over his condition, saying, “I am very sick Zimbabwe, please pray for me . . . I just managed to send my band and PA system to our family show with my son Franco.”
The left-handed lead guitarist’s words resonated deeply with his supporters, who have long cherished his contribution to the music scene. The news of his illness has prompted an outpouring of love and support from fans and fellow musicians.
Franco Slomo took to the stage, performing passionately and addressing the ongoing conflicts within the sungura music scene.
He urged everyone to shift their focus away from social media disputes and instead rally around the health and legacy of Madzibaba.
“Let us stop spending time on social sungura music wars and spend it on praying for the living legend of this genre . . . Let us not point fingers at each other,” he implored, emphasising the need for unity in a time of crisis.
The sentiments shared by Franco resonate with Kireni Zulu, another notable figure in the industry.
He echoed the call for solidarity among artistes, highlighting the importance of community support during difficult times.
“If one of us gets sick as an artiste, we must know and visit each other, socializing and listening to their challenges,” he said.
His words reflect a growing concern about the disconnect among artistes, underscoring the need for deeper connections and mutual aid.
Madzibaba’s current health challenges shed light on broader issues facing artistes in the industry.
The pressures of fame, financial instability and personal struggles often go unnoticed until it’s too late.
Slomo and Zulu’s remarks highlight the urgency of fostering a supportive environment where artistes can rely on one another during times of need.
Zulu said that a culture of support is crucial, particularly when artistes face health challenges.
“We must assist each other rather than pretend to have been a beloved person after his or her death by buying food or coffins,” he cautioned.
This statement resonates in a world where artistes often struggle in silence, only to receive recognition posthumously.
He further lamented how many artistes know each other’s homes, which hinders genuine support and connection.
He also urged artistes to transcend their differences and work towards a common goal.
“Legends must keep on united rebuking these youngsters from drug abuses,” he stressed, recognising that substance abuse can derail promising careers before they truly begin.
