WHERE WERE THE WOMEN?…Lioness Shumba Kadzi questions absence of female artists at Madzibaba Zakaria funeral wake

Tafadzwa Zimoyo

Zimpapers Entertainment Editor

DAYS after Madizibaba Zakaria was laid to rest, the questions posed by sungura star Lioness Shumba Kadzi are ringing louder — where were the female artists?

Kadzi noticed the absence of female artists at Chibuku Stadium where scores of people turned out to bid Madzibaba Zakaria farewell.

The sungura godfather was laid to rest in Chiweshe.

“It hurts to see so many men here and so few women,” Lioness said.

“We always complain that we are not supported in this industry but we do not support each other.

“Unity is shown in times of pain, not only on the stage.”

Lioness said funerals reveal the true character of artists, accusing female musicians of demanding recognition while disappearing when fellow artists are grieving.

“As female musicians, we cry for support every day,” she said.

“But when one of us is sick or mourning, we are nowhere to be seen.

“When there is money or a show, everyone wants to be visible. That is not unity.”

Lioness said solidarity should not be selective or driven by personal gain.

“Support is not about being seen at glamorous events,” she said. “

It is about standing with one another when there are tears. If we fail to do that, we have no moral right to complain.”

The outspoken singer said the death of Madzibaba Zakaria should serve as a serious wake-up call to the industry, particularly women.

“Death does not choose,” she said.

“Tomorrow it could be me or you. If we want people to stand with us one day, we must start standing with others today.”

Lioness also paid an emotional tribute to the late sungura icon, revealing how Madzibaba Zakaria played a crucial role in her musical journey.

Known for her bold sungura sound and fearless lyrics, Lioness said she grew up being inspired by Zakaria’s music.

“I was raised on Madzibaba’s songs,” she said. “He taught us that sungura music is about courage, truth and hard work.

“He supported my music and believed in me.

“He listened to my songs, advised me and encouraged me to continue, even when the road was tough.

“For a woman in a male-dominated genre, that support meant everything.”

According to Lioness, Zakaria strongly believed in the growth and recognition of female artists.

“He always said music has no gender,” she said.

“If you are talented, you must push forward without fear.

“We thought he was fit.

“His passing hit us hard and left us heartbroken.

“If we want respect in this industry, it must begin with respecting one another.

“Let us stop complaining and start showing unity, especially in times of sorrow.”