Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
THE late Madzibaba Nicholas Zakaria must be turning in his grave.
Chaos has rocked his camp just six months after his demise.
Madzibaba succumbed to diabetes-related complications on December 11 last year at the age of 69.
He left behind a star-studded band that remained inactive for nearly half a year before his nephew, Lazarus Zakaria, formed Khiama Boys Legacy Band.
However, the move has been strongly condemned by Madzibaba’s widow, Margaret Chiroro — popularly known as Margaret Gweshe, who accuses Lazarus of “hijacking” her husband’s band while the family was still mourning.
In an exclusive interview at her homestead in Chitungwiza Unit A Extension, Chiroro expressed anger over her nephew’s decision to assemble what she described as a “rebel” band, saying the move had deepened divisions within the camp of the late sungura icon.
“I was surprised to hear that there is a new group called Khiama Boys Legacy Band led by our nephew, Lazarus Zakaria,” she told Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub.
“Lazarus is not Madzibaba’s son, as he has been claiming to the public. In fact, he is the son of Madzibaba’s sister . . . and ended up using his mother’s surname. He is actually a crook who has been masquerading as Madzibaba’s son while fleecing people of their money.”
Fighting back tears, Chiroro revealed that Lazarus had betrayed the family by assembling a band of rebels.
“He (Lazarus) did not seek my blessing when he assembled a band largely composed of people who were fired by Madzibaba. He last came here during Madzibaba’s funeral, and I did not know he had evil intentions. To think that he used to manage my husband’s business affairs, I am still shocked,” she said.
Chiroro has since barred Lazarus from using her husband’s brand name.
“After all we have done for him, including sending him to school, I am disappointed by this betrayal as he seeks to abuse my husband’s brand. By the way, Madzibaba and I formed Khiama Boys in the days when we performed at Bhora Growth Point alongside Teneyi Chikupo and Alick Macheso.
“I was a singer and dancer, and here is my certificate from the Zimbabwe Music Rights Association, which shows that I am a composer. I helped my husband compose most of the songs that made him a household name, even though I did not accompany him to the studio. I kindly beg Lazarus to stop playing my husband’s songs and to drop the name Khiama Boys.”
The 67-year-old widow has vowed to take legal action against Lazarus.
“Of course, he has been getting shows using my husband’s brand, but that should come to an end. In fact, the people who were anointed by Madzibaba to take over the band are his nephew Mathew Zakaria, who is part of Baba Harare’s band, and my nephew Godknows Landirani.
“He has been lying that Landirani is unwell after he refused to join their wicked band and I can confirm that he is fit as a fiddle. Lazarus is a thief and a crook who should pay for his evil intentions.”
Chiroro also accused Lazarus of stealing condolence money during Madzibaba’s funeral.
“For your own information, Lazarus was the one who collected condolence money, but he never accounted for it. The only money we received was from Honourable Webster Shamu and another minister.
“His phone was used by those paying through EcoCash, but we do not even know how much was paid. He simply disappeared after the funeral and up to now we have never heard from him. It is sad that we are the ones who sent him to school after his mother was impregnated, and we took him as our own child, only for him to betray us like this.”
She further alleged that Lazarus exploited Madzibaba while he was still alive.
“My husband was said to be a brand ambassador for some banks, but he never received a cent. There is also this Musabvunda guy who was supported by my husband, but we never saw any returns. He kept saying he was ready to pay us, but up to now nothing has been paid.”
Chiroro revealed that she is no longer on speaking terms with some of Madzibaba’s relatives.
“For your own information, Madzibaba’s clothes are yet to be distributed according to custom. His close family held a memorial service without my consent, and I do not know why they are sidelining me.
“The same relatives, including Zaka Zaka, came here when Madzibaba was ill and took his T-shirt to a prophet who promised to heal him within three days. On the third day, Madzibaba died. I am still in shock that his relatives have forsaken me when I miss my husband,” she narrated
She also disclosed that the late singer left behind properties.
“Before his death, his intention was to move out of Chitungwiza and settle in Norton, where he built a 10-roomed house. The house is almost complete, but it is all history now because he will never occupy it as we had planned.”
Responding to questions about reviving Khiama Boys, Chiroro said she was only assisting Landirani with songwriting.
“I am surprised that people are questioning my credentials as a musician, yet I worked with my husband and Kasongo Band at one point. I will only help them record songs but will not attend shows. I am a good singer, by the way, and I have always loved my craft. I was born in Lions Den in 1959 in a family of five and music has always been my first love even before I met Madzibaba, who became my husband for many years.”
When pressed for comment after being sent questions to address the slew of allegations against him, Lazarus, who claims to have been anointed by Madzibaba, said: “Haa, I can’t comment on that.”
Lazarus also claimed he had lost contact details of Madzibaba’s widow.
As it stands, Madzibaba’s house is in turmoil, and only God’s grace can bring an end to this sad chapter.
