Madzibaba Burial Set for Chiweshe
Fans Prepare for Huge Send-Off
Nicholas "Madzibaba" Zakaria, the revered frontman of the Khiama Boys, will be laid to rest at his family shrine in Chiweshe on Sunday. The 69-year-old legend lost his battle against diabetes at Chitungwiza Central Hospital yesterday, plunging the music fraternity into mourning.
The Final Journey
Mourners have thronged his home in Chitungwiza Unit A Extension to celebrate a role model deserving of a high-profile send-off.
THE RESTING PLACE
Chiweshe
Madzibaba will be interred at the family shrine in his rural home of Chiweshe.
THE DATE
Sunday, 14 December
The burial is scheduled to take place this coming Sunday.
"He Was A Bridge"
Fighting back tears, Sungura king Alick Macheso was among the first to arrive at the funeral wake. He described Madzibaba Nicholas Zakaria as a “bridge” — a rare figure who not only opened doors for young artists but also reshaped the trajectory of Sungura music for nearly five decades.
"I am who I am because of his generosity and mentorship. I will always cherish the invaluable lessons he taught me. He took me into his home, where he was both strict and loving."
Macheso also honoured Madzibaba’s widow, Margaret Gweshe, acknowledging her pivotal role in shaping his early years: "She looked after me when I was young and treated me like a son. I can't forget all she did for me when I was a nobody."
Macheso emphasised that without Madzibaba’s discipline, patience, and open-door mentorship, Zimbabwe’s modern Sungura sound would not be what it is today. He credited him as a father, a teacher, and a spiritual compass.
As founder of the iconic Khiama Boys, Madzibaba nurtured and launched the careers of giants such as Alick Macheso, System Tazvida, Cephas Karushanga and many others. His disciplined band structure became a blueprint for future Sungura groups.
He produced more than 26 albums, including classics like Kubva Kure, Mabhauwa, Mabvi Nemagokora, Shamiso, Mazano, and Ida Anokuda. His sound defined the 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s Sungura era.
Even after briefly leaving music in the late 1990s to work as a haulage truck driver, he returned in 2003 stronger than ever—demonstrating resilience, adaptability, and a deep commitment to the genre.
Many artistes believe that his disciplined approach, spiritual grounding, and humility helped preserve Sungura’s identity during decades of competition from other genres.
Family & Industry Tributes
Margaret Gweshe (Widow): “We have lost a father, a pillar, and our shield. He fought bravely, and we did everything we could, but sadly there was nothing more we could do to save him.”
Zachariah Zakaria (Brother): “I have lost a guide who shaped my musical journey. He recognised my talent before I even believed in myself.”
The family highlighted Madzibaba’s devotion to faith, community development, and the empowerment of young people—values he carried both on and off stage.
Mama Red Rose (Promoter): “He was a legend of unmatched humility. The new generation must study his discipline and calm spirit.”
Simon Mutambi (Mentee): “He took me under his wing with incredible patience. I apply his teachings daily as I manage my own band.”
Nasho Azatti (Former Bassist): “A strict but loving mentor—he transformed my life.”
Industry leaders also commended his business ventures and collaborations. His partnership with Esteem Communications helped modernise his brand, while organisations like ZIMURA, NashTV, Wezhaz Executive Cars, and Kitchen-Link supported him in music production and healthcare needs.
Born in 1957 at Belgownie Estates, Mazowe, Madzibaba grew up on farms where community gatherings and traditional sounds shaped his love for music. His father played a box guitar, and by age ten he was already mastering the instrument—despite his parents’ initial disapproval.
His professional career began in the mid-1970s with The Green Mangoes, before he went on to form the Vhuka Boys in 1980. Although the group struggled to compete with giants like John Chibadura and Thomas Mapfumo, these early experiences sharpened his resilience.
His move to Harare in 1984 marked the turning point of his destiny. It was here that he co-founded the legendary Khiama Boys—a band that would dominate the Sungura landscape and birth megastars.
His legacy is not only musical but spiritual, cultural, and social. He used his influence to support charities, mentor emerging musicians, and uplift communities across Zimbabwe.
An Unfinished Symphony
Tragically, Madzibaba lost his battle with diabetes while working on his 30th album. He leaves behind a legacy of nurturing stars, including the late System Tazvida, Cephas Karushanga, and many others.
A gifted composer, songwriter, and choreographer, the left-handed lead guitarist has left an indelible mark on the Zimbabwe showbiz landscape.
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