admin
Tafadzwa Zimoyo–Senior Arts Reporter
Sungura musician and Khiama Boys frontman Nicholas Zakaria is known for his selflessness and ability to nurture talent across all music genres.
Of late he has been collaborating with some dancehall musicians, much to the surprise of many who thought his artistry was limited to sungura music only.
The Senior Lecturer, as the sungura grandad is widely known, seems to have taken the talent nurturing a notch higher after temporarily handing the Khiama Boys reigns to Washington Zakaria, his young brother’s son, for a music project that will see his protégé benefit from the sungura outfit’s wealth of experience.
According to Zakaria, the decision is aimed at ensuring that the Khiama Boys brand remains intact and thriving for generations to come.
“I am not yet done musically and I am actually working on my next music project which should be out in the last quarter of 2021,” he said.
“Allowing Washington a chance to record a full album with the Khiama Boys is a testimony of my love for the brand and belief in his talent.
“The Khiama Boys torch must not die and I believe his new album will be a worthy undertaking and help entrench our depth.”
Zakaria posted a picture of himself and Washington on social media, which saw some fans asking about the latest developments.
In an interview with The Herald Arts, Washington said he was humbled by his uncle’s gesture and was looking forward to producing a good project.
“I am a Khiama Boys son. I grew up listening to this sound and I can safely say I eat, live and dream the Khiama Boys sound.
“I, therefore, feel humbled by the Senior Lecturer’s gesture to allow me a chance to record a full album with the Khiama Boys. I really promise to make this worthwhile and I hope the fans support me.”
Washington said he was buoyed by the mood in the Khiama Boys camp and he will benefit from their wealth of experience.
“Khiama Boys is a seasoned sungura outfit and having them on my debut project is a big plus. It’s a dream come true for me and I am over the moon.
“Everyone in the band is excited and geared for this project and I am certain the experience from each member will come in handy.”
Washington’s forthcoming six-track album is titled “Kuzama Zvese” and the young Zakaria said he will feature the Senior Lecturer on the Chewa song “Maganiso”.
“The album ‘Kuzama Zvese’ comes with six tracks namely ‘Ziva Zvawakavinga Muroora’, ‘Abel’, ‘Tonderai’, ‘Kuzvivambira Hondo Nerudo’, the title track ‘Kuzama Zvese’ and ‘Maganiso’, a Chewa song that features Nicholas Zakaria,” he said.
“The Chewa song promises to be a monster hit and I just can’t wait to unleash the full album.”
The album is set to be released end of next month and is being recorded by Jabulani Ndlovu at his Trutone Studios.
“We are working with Jabulani Ndlovu, one of the most respected producers in sungura music cicles at his Trutone Studios and we expect to release the album end of October,” said Washington.
“We also hope to work on supporting videos, funds allowing, but we are generally happy with the project so far.”
The elder Zakaria has nurtured many local musicians and is generally regarded as a humble and selfless crooner.
Allowing another musician, moreso a family member, to experiment with his sound is a whole new high and fans await to see the outcome.
Online Reporter