Sungura musician and Khiama Boys frontman Nicholas “Madzibaba” Zakaria has expressed gratitude over the recent showering of gifts from various arts stakeholders and well-wishers.
The bearded musician, who recently turned 68, told Standard Style that he was grateful for the show of love after over four decades of entertaining the nation and building communities through his life-teaching music.
“So much has happened for me in the first quarter of the year; from a top-of- the-range car gift to birthday gifts and celebrations and I am really grateful for these humbling gestures of love,” Madzibaba said.
“For a long time, it had appeared like I am being left out, but I want to thank all my well wishers and arts stakeholders that have showered me with such priceless gifts. It’s something I had never imagined in my career and I am really grateful.”
Following the recent donation of a top-of-the-range Toyota GD6 2024 edition from benefactor Wicknell Chivayo, Madzibaba was showered with gifts at a birthday celebrations gig hosted by music promoter and businessman David Mudzudzu of Club Joy Centre Entertainment.
“First on the list was businessman and local music lover Wicknell Chivhayo who surprised me with a top-of-the- range car. I don’t think I was going to drive such a vehicle at this stage of my career had it not been for the gesture and I am really grateful for that,” Madzibaba said.
“The car is a seal of approval to what has been an eventful career with so many highs and lows and I am a happy man seeing that I have been appreciated in such a respectable manner.”.
The sungura musician also thanked Mudzudzu for organising a birthday gig for him.
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“I recently turned 68 and I am grateful to God for life. Yes, I sometimes go under the weather, but I am grateful for life. To mark my birthday, one of our music friends David Mudzudzu of Club Joy Centre entertainment honoured me with a birthday gig at his Makoni joint,” the Tsamba hit maker said.
“It was such a pleasure celebrating with my people in Chitungwiza through song and dance. The cherry on top was the many presents and birthday cake that I received on the day. I really feel blessed to be alive and I thank all my fans and supporters for the love.”
Last Wednesday, Zakaria received yet another celebratory surprise from young businesswoman Anyway Masunda who is the founder and managing director of Unique Gear Fashions, a local fashion house in Zimbabwe who handed him designer suits, shoes and casual clothes complete with a birthday cake to celebrate his life.
Masunda said they felt compelled to honour the musician in a special way given his selflessness and invaluable contribution to the local music industry.
“Unique Gear Fashions specialises in quality and affordable clothes for all age groups and sexes including safety and corporate wear,” Masunda said.
“We are also an image consultancy, which helps individuals, corporates as well as the who is who in Zimbabwe with the best advice on how to dress the part and look good for all occasions.
“As a growing business, we are happy to celebrate and associate with one of Zimbabwe's most celebrated music voices Madzibaba Nicholas Zakaria.
“Here is a man, who has given direction to local music through quality and meaningful compositions that have helped shape society. We are therefore proud to honour him in our small way as a growing indigenous business.”
Masunda said Zakaria nurtured a number of big-name musicians in Zimbabwe earning him the title Senior Lecturer and he deserves all the good things in life.
She also saluted Zakaria’s character and consistency over the years highlighting that he has been exemplary in shunning unbecoming behavior even with all the fame that he commands.
Madzibaba has 29 albums under his belt and he hinted at releasing album number 30 before the end of the year.