Online Reporter
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
THE family of the late sungura singer, Madzibaba Nicholas Zakaria, has taken legal action against his nephew, Lazarus Zakaria, for allegedly breaching the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Act.
Lazarus is being accused of continuing to use the Khiama Boys brand and perform the late icon’s music without the family’s consent.
His actions have sparked a fierce clash with Madzibaba’s widow, Margaret Chiroro, who is better known as Margaret Gweshe.
Chiroro has since moved to bar Lazarus from performing the Khiama Boys’ catalogue.
In a cease-and-desist letter dated June 17, 2026, issued by C. Nhemwa and Associates Attorneys at Law, Lazarus was formally called out for copyright infringement.
“We act on behalf of Claudious Nhemwa in his official capacity as the executor dative of the estate of the late Nicholas Zakaria,” the letter reads.
“Our client has informed us that your band has been unlawfully using the music and name (Khiama Boys) of the deceased for personal gain.
“You are therefore in contravention of the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Act (Chapter 26:05).
“Please note that taking, distributing or performing a musical work for commercial gain without the explicit authority of the copyright owner is strictly prohibited and subject to both criminal prosecution and civil lawsuits.”
The legal firm further warned Lazarus that his actions carry heavy consequences.
“You have not been granted authority to perform the music of the late Nicholas Zakaria. We are, therefore, demanding that you immediately cease performing the deceased’s music. If you fail to do so, we will be forced to report you to the police and initiate legal action without further notice. Be advised that if this goes to court, it can result in both fines and jail time.”
When contacted for comment regarding the letter and his next steps, Lazarus simply replied: “I don’t have a comment on that.”
A Harare-based legal expert, speaking on condition of anonymity, noted that Lazarus’ actions put him on shaky legal ground.
“If Lazarus Zakaria was not there when the Khiama Boys were formed and has never composed a song with the group, he is committing a crime,” the expert told the Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub.
“Lazarus should have approached the family — especially Madzibaba’s widow — to seek her blessings. There was no need for all this drama; dialogue is always the best way forward. In this case, Lazarus is inviting unnecessary trouble.”
The legal expert also believes that the family has a rock-solid case.
“What this means now is that if Lazarus remains defiant, the family must approach the courts to lay the matter to rest.
“They have every right to seek a court interdict to stop his conduct.
“They could even have him arrested, though dialogue would still have been the preferred route.”
Madzibaba Nicholas Zakaria passed away on December 11, 2025 due to diabetes-related complications.
Just six months after he passed away, Lazarus moved to take control of the musical outfit and reportedly recruited several band members who had previously been fired by Madzibaba.
However, Madzibaba’s widow is actively backing Matthew Zakaria — a nephew and former Khiama Boys backing vocalist — to officially take over the band.
