Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
HE effortlessly earned the title of “Senior Lecturer” despite never advancing beyond Grade 7.
He left an indelible mark on the showbiz landscape as a role model, perfectionist and game-changer, all while remaining remarkably humble.
A firm believer in the philosophy of correcting people discreetly, the impact of his work is becoming clearer now that he is gone.
Phrases like “father figure,” “role model,” and “the finest one” will be etched alongside his remains, though he has already met his maker.
As expected, touching eulogies are guaranteed as we mourn a legend.
Even those who were caught up in this “family matters”, which they don’t understand, and from whom the public has taken sides, have nowhere to hide.
Raised in farming communities around Mazowe where many are deemed docile, he surpassed the technological understanding of many who consider themselves up-to-date.
With a redefined sense of simplicity, an authoritative presence and continuity as his hallmark, this father figure we lost on Thursday will forever be cherished for years to come.
This fairytale aptly sums up legendary singer Nicholas “Madzibaba” Zakaria, who endured a painful life marked by false love, endurance and sacrifice.
The sungura godfather lost his battle against diabetes and hypertension in the early hours of Thursday at Chitungwiza Central Hospital.
Fans and foes alike embraced the sungura godfather, taking to social media to show their affection for the singer.
Whether they meant it or not, the truth is that they knew Madzibaba existed.
In a landscape filled with insincerity on social media, Madzibaba’s death has revealed a side of him that many tried to ignore.
WhatsApp statuses changed in Madzibaba’s favour and remarkable posts celebrating his clean music have on social media became a reality for many.
As many hope for him to receive a grand farewell at his Chiweshe family shrine on Sunday, we can only wish for the best as Madzibaba’s body is laid to rest where it belongs.
His most devoted student, Alick Macheso, has suspended two shows to honour Madzibaba and show him true love.
Last Thursday, he was the “chief” mourner, welcoming visitors, fellow musicians, and even past music promoters who came to commiserate with him.
The widow, Margaret Gweshe, was overshadowed by Macheso’s presence, a clear sign that Madzibaba’s history cannot be told without mentioning the Orchestra Mberikwazvo founder.
Their shared history is well-known, both in its triumphs and distortions.
In an earlier interview with Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub, Macheso confessed that Madzibaba was a bridge for many of them.
“I was among the first to arrive after learning about his death just after 1am,” he stated.
“I am who I am because of his generosity and mentorship. I will always cherish the invaluable lessons he taught me.
“He was a bridge for some of us who passed through his hands and his teachings,” he emphasised earlier this week.
Macheso’s wife, Nyadzaisai, also revealed that Madzibaba was heaven-sent.
“Madzibaba and his wife looked after us when we were a young couple. I will forever cherish the love they gave us,” Nyadzaisai confessed.
As if that was not enough, Macheso has cancelled his scheduled gigs to mourn his teacher.
After these glowing tributes, one wonders where all the alleged tension between Macheso and Madzibaba originated.
Has the supposed feud been resolved after the well-publicised fallout and shattering split of 1998, which led to the formation of Orchestra Mberikwazvo?
Who misled the public into believing there was a conflict?
Did the two ever publicly acknowledge their differences?
As we celebrate Madzibaba’s legacy, it is clear that the death of a loved one can quiet some debates while also reopening old wounds and unresolved issues.
In this case, we see a healthy relationship between Madzibaba and Macheso.
As a disciplinarian, Madzibaba endeavoured to ensure that his mentees were well-groomed. Without him, Macheso might not have reached his full potential despite his talent.
As the saying goes, “Talent without guidance is like a bubbly and healthy baby without diapers.” Madzibaba provided “diapers” (guidance) not just to Macheso but to a multitude of musicians who became household names.
This long list includes the late System Tazvida, Cephas Karushanga, Amon Mvula and Tineyi Chikupo, among others, as well as living stars like Simon Mutambi, Mark Ngwazi and Nasho Azzatti.
As we embrace and celebrate Madzibaba’s legacy, it is likely that Madzibaba is smiling down on us. Three years ago, he mentioned to this publication that he was celebrating his 66th birthday with a heavy heart, having buried many of his peers. Perhaps he sensed that he was nearing the end of his time.
“As a father figure entrusted with grooming many of my late students, I used to whip them into line, but I had hotheads like Tineyi Chikupo and Arron Chinamira. These guys died at a young age, and I think they didn’t take seriously some of the lessons we tried to teach them.
“We taught each other to steer clear of multiple partners, risky sexual behaviour, and drugs.
“I still preach the same gospel to my band members and those who seek my mentorship because I want to see them grow and support their families,” he said.
He added, “To the younger generation of artists, the same principles I taught my old students — dedication to work, avoiding drugs and multiple partners — still apply.
“My main concern right now is drug abuse, which is rampant among young people. Artists have also fallen into this trap, and we urge them to stay away from drugs and focus on their careers.”
On the other hand, Madzibaba felt rejected upon as he mentioned in an interview, “I am dying slowly due to an illness that has jeopardised my plans.
“Sometimes I struggle to walk when I come under attack. I have battled this condition for years, but it’s now getting worse. I don’t know where I will get help because I am struggling to make ends meet, like most singers out there. Live shows are no longer rewarding, as people are also struggling to afford tickets.”
The sungura godfather, who has nurtured many stars, also felt unloved by fellow musicians, stating, “I have opened up about my illness because I don’t want to die in silence like many artists out there. I’ve never suffered like this; my condition keeps deteriorating day by day.”
My only concern is that some members of his team may have pressured him to deny illness reports ahead of their tour in Mozambique, which the widow opposed.
Reports suggest he fell seriously ill in Mozambique but managed to return home.
That story is for another day.
According to his biography, he was raised in a family of 11 at Belgownie Estates in Mazowe.
His late father, Chekani Maluwa, was already a musician in the early ‘80s and had a stint with Vhuka Boys, formed by a living legend back in Dzivaresekwa, Harare.
In the ‘80s, he mentored several musicians, including Macheso and Tazvida.
Offstage, Madzibaba was a strategic entrepreneur, investing in farming, transport, and community ventures.
His humility, discipline, and prolific legacy will ensure his influence resonates long after his passing.
His discography is rich, boasting a record of 29 albums.
Some of his popular hits include “Zvomvela Mvela” and “Mabvi Nemagokora,” among others.
As we lay him to rest tomorrow in Chiweshe, let’s not forget that Madzibaba was indeed a man of the people adored in his death denounced in his life.
