Story by Ropafadzo Mangome
SUNGURA maestro, Alick Macheso, has expressed grief following the death of his long-time mentor and celebrated music legend, Nicholas “Madzibaba” Zakaria, whose passing has left a profound void in the country’s music industry.
Macheso, who attributes the foundation of his illustrious career to Zakaria’s guidance, took to Facebook to express deep sadness, describing the late icon as the man who shaped his artistic trajectory and instilled in him the discipline and craft that propelled him to national stardom.
Macheso took to his Facebook page to express profound sorrow, crediting the late legend for shaping his musical journey and helping pave the way for his rise to stardom.
“Vadikani hama kumativi mana epasi rose, muzuva ra nhasi izuva ratabaiwa pa nyama nhete, ronda risingapori, ronda rinorwadza isu vararami.
Nekurasikirwa na Baba vedu Madzibaba Zakaria, vaiva mbereko ne zambuko redu mumimhanzi. Pasi rese takotamisa huso hwedu, misodzi ichiyerera pamatama nekurasikirwa ne gamba redu. Hongu tinozviziva kuti rufu chitsidzo chavo Mwari asi nzira yacho inorwadza mukurasikirwa ne umwe wedu wepamoyo.”
The late Zakaria, revered as one of the architects of the sungura genre, groomed numerous musicians over decades, earning widespread acclaim for his commitment to nurturing talent and safeguarding Zimbabwe’s musical heritage. His mentorship produced some of the country’s finest performers, cementing his legacy as a pillar of the arts sector.
Funeral and memorial arrangements are expected to be announced by the family in due course as the nation continues to mourn one of its most influential cultural figures.
