VETERAN musician Nicholas “Madzibaba” Zakaria says he is as fit as a fiddle dismissing speculation that he was under the weather.
However, the sungura Godfather told Standard Style that he hasn’t been well lately.
“Yes, I have not been well, but I am in a much better state and departing for weekend shows in Mozambique this evening [last Thursday],” he said.
“About the media reports concerning my health, it’s only natural that anything relating to a person of my stature would attract widespread coverage.
“I welcome the outpouring of love from music fans, journalists, fellow musicians, industry stakeholders and the general populace.
“Competing needs always outweigh available resources but there is a need for a better coordinated effort in terms of official communication and whatever resource mobilisation comes my way.”
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The Senior Lecturer kicked off his Mozambican tour with a show at the Predio Zeka Aolado Da Bomba last Friday, followed by another gig at the Cine UNIAO (SONGO).
He will wrap up his tour with a show at the Mutarara Nhambayamwe on Tuesday.
Madzibaba said he would sample songs from his forthcoming album in Mozambique.
“I am releasing a few singles in the next few weeks and the album is coming before the end of the year,” he said.
“We are using these live shows to sample the forthcoming songs and fans really like them.”
Madzibaba has in the past received free medical assistance from medical doctor and music promoter Johannes Marisa who is also the president of the Medical and Dental Private Practitioners of Zimbabwe Association (MDPPZA), an inclusive body of medical practitioners.
Other corporate friends have also pledged to support the Senior Lecturer in whatever way possible.
“There is no way we would not attend to the Senior Lecturer,” said Marisa.
“I have helped a number of artistes and their families, including the Senior Lecturer.
“He is the godfather of sungura and at Westview Medical Centre, we have these artistes at heart and as part of our corporate social responsibility programme, we also consider our artistes.”
Marisa said he was ready to help Madzibaba medically.
Zakaria, who turned 68 in April, is credited for nurturing musicians such as Alick Macheso, System Tazvida, Amon Mvula, Cephas Karushanga and Simon Mutambi, among others.
He has been in the game for close to 48 years with Mabvi Nemagokora and Ndine Mubvunzo being his most popular albums among his 29 albums.