Online Reporter
Trust Khosa-Zimpapers Arts, Entertainment Hub
AILING sungura star, Nicholas “Madzibaba” Zakaria is not the first, neither will he be the last, to receive an incapacitation fund from the Zimbabwe Music Rights Association (ZIMURA), a top official from the royalties collection board has said.
The left-handed Khiama Boys frontman, who is battling complications from diabetes, hypertension and cramps at home, has sparked debate after it was revealed that he received a US$500 incapacitation fee.
Many fans did not fully understand the purpose of the fee.
Critics accused the singer’s relatives of “monetising” his illness.
To clarify the situation, Henry Makombe, the ZIMURA deputy director, explained to Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub that the incapacitation fee should not be confused with gratuity or pension.
This initiative was introduced in recent years to assist members facing hardships.
Most of their members have benefitted from this fund from 2022 to the present day.
“For the record, the incapacitation fee is intended for members only and represents a one-time payment. It should not be mistaken for a pension. We decided to clear the air following the uproar surrounding Madzibaba’s case after he appealed for help. As ZIMURA, we have made it a policy to assist our members with a US$500 payment to help cushion them in these trying times,” he stated.
Makombe emphasised that Madzibaba was not the first, neither would he be the last musician to benefit from this fund.
“It is important to note that several other artistes have also received this incapacitation fee, including the late Bob Nyabinde, Robson Kaitano, Velapi Gumbo, Fortunate Matenga, Sikhosana Mable and Rangarirai Sagombeto, co-founder of R&K African Sounds, who is battling a mysterious illness, among others.
“It’s unfortunate that some people were quick to criticise us without seeking clarity,” he said.
“Over the years, we have been monitoring the conditions of our members, and it is our mandate to support them. The individuals who are meant to benefit will always remain our members, and that should be made clear.
“It’s our role to ensure that our members enjoy some of these benefits, which they are entitled to.”
Makombe highlighted that a thorough assessment of their members is conducted before they provide assistance.
“We have teams that go on the ground to assess our members’ situations in these times of need, and this has made our job easier. The same also applies to our new members, who might be as young as 12 and require this form of help from us. It’s a new development that has been embraced by many of our members who are entitled to these benefits,” he emphasised.
Makombe also mentioned that they will not be deterred by social media trolls from fulfilling their mandate.
“Social media trolls will always cause confusion, but we are not bothered at all. The criticism means we exist and that we are also doing meaningful work out there,” he continued.
However, a leading medical practitioner who has been monitoring Madzibaba’s situation was of the view that the sungura ace’s condition was being exploited by close relatives. “It’s unfortunate that Madzibaba is unwell at the moment, but the levels of begging are quite alarming, to say the least. I suspect there is someone who has been profiting from this illness because some of the basics he has been publicly begging for have made him appear like a poor man, yet we know the family can do something to assist him before going public.
It appears the begging syndrome is now out of control and there should come a time when the family must unite and avoid this shame,” the medical practitioner stated.
The practitioner also shared a breakdown of the money needed by Madzibaba for his monthly medical bills.
“If his condition is still in stage one, he needs at least US$30 to US$40 per month for his medication and the family of Madzibaba can easily raise this amount.
“If Madzibaba’s condition is now in advanced stages, he requires at least US$70 to US$100 per month. If he is bold enough, he can visit local clinics for free treatment considering his age,” stated the doctor.
The medical practitioner firmly believes that Madzibaba is being honest about his condition.
“Another issue which Madzibaba should take note of is medication. If he had been receiving treatment in a manner that’s recommended, this condition is manageable. I wonder if he is receiving treatment since he is always paraded on social media for public sympathy.
“Madzibaba should be careful with this issue since his health is at stake. He should not gamble with his health because it’s a matter of life and death that we are talking about here,” stated the medical practitioner.
“He should be clear about how he wants to approach his illness and stick to it. The only way for him to get help, or manage his condition is to follow instructions from a medical practitioner. Madzibaba is not the first or last person who has been diagnosed with this condition, which calls for him to get treatment on time.”
As we exclusively revealed in June last year, Madzibaba’s condition has been deteriorating for months, prompting him to suspend shows and shelve productions.
His management team has been desperate to conceal his illness to ensure that he attends booked shows as a sick man, which has not only done him a disservice, but also worsened Madzibaba’s condition.
He is now grounded at home, appealing for food handouts instead of medication.
