Roots of a Sungura Trailblazer: Inside Nicholas Zakaria’s legendary journey

Nicholas “Madzibaba” Zakaria began his journey in the 1970s townships of Mazowe. He carried a guitar, faith and stubborn determination.
Soon, he helped shape sungura as Zimbabwe approached independence. His sharp, interlocking guitars gave workers a soundtrack after long shifts. In 1984 he co founded Khiama Boys, a future legendary outfit. Their hits packed beerhalls and growth points across the country.

Zakaria’s calm authority on stage earned him the nickname “Senior Lecturer.” He kept his lyrics grounded in everyday struggles, marriages and township morality. Meanwhile, his apostolic faith shaped his image and his discipline.

Mentor of a Generation

Around his rehearsals, young hopefuls gathered with battered instruments and big dreams. Zakaria welcomed them, but insisted on punctuality, practice and respect. Among these apprentices stood teenage bassist Alick Macheso.

Under Zakaria, Macheso learned arrangement, bass craft and commanding a live crowd. System Tazvida also passed through Khiama Boys before forming his own band. Many lesser known names graduated from this informal academy.

Consequently, half the sungura scene carried traces of Zakaria’s teaching. He rarely boasted about this impact. Instead, he kept building bands, writing songs and tutoring quietly.

A Lasting Legacy

Zakaria’s career stretched nearly five decades. Over that time he rode changing tastes, economic crises and shifting technologies. Yet his music still filled buses, barbershops and village shops.

He continued recording and touring whenever health allowed. In December 2025 he died, closing a remarkable musical chapter. Fans mourned not only a star, but a cultural elder. However, his influence remains everywhere in Zimbabwean popular music.

New guitarists still study his lines and stage moves. Older fans measure new releases against classic Khiama Boys albums. Through protégés like Macheso, his voice keeps echoing across dance floors. Ultimately, Nicholas Zakaria left sungura more confident, creative and proudly Zimbabwean.