By Style Reporter
All is in place for sungura godfather Madzibaba Nicholas Zakaria’s 29th studio album launch to be unveiled next Saturday at Nyaradzo Events in Houghton Park, Harare.
Aptly known as the Senior Lecturer in celebration of his ability to nurture talent, Zakaria turns 66 on Tuesday. He also marks 47 years in the music industry plus another 40 years since the formation of his all-conquering Khiama Boys outfit during the same period.
The Saturday album launch for his 29th studio project titled Musabvunda is, therefore, cherry on top for the consistent and professional musicians who have steered off controversy in a career spanning close to five decades.
Speaking to Standard Style, Madzibaba said he is highly expectant of his new album and hopes it will wet the appetite of many music lovers.
“My last album Inzwa Unzwe was solid but we didn’t do much to market it and I am hoping the level of investment and corporate support that has come our way with the new album will spell good for me and Khiama Boys,” Zakaria said.
We have received amazing support and we are really humbled by the love from all our followers, partners and music stakeholders. “
According to Khiama Boys manager Lazarus Zakaria, various organisations led by the ministry of Youth, Sport, Art and Recreation have thrown their weight behind the sungura heavyweight with funeral services provider Nyaradzo Group pledging to host the exclusive album launch at their prestigious events venue in Harare.
“We are grateful for the support from various partners towards the birthday celebrations cum album launch for the senior lecturer,” said Zakaria.
“The ministry of Youth, Sport, Art and Recreation is leading the pack with other corporate partners like Nyaradzo Group, Nedbank Zimbabwe, Click n Pay, Chloride Zimbabwe, Kamili Investments, Avylet Logistics, Style Cabin, VIP Attire, Bullion Group, Trendzone Defined Wear, Parul Tech and Ezeekleen Detergents also pledging their support in one way or the other.
“This collaboration is good for the creative industry and we pray for more such partnerships,” Zakaria said.
The sungura musician said the 5 track album was recorded at Music for Development Foundation Studios and also roped in the tried and tested Bothwell Nyamhondera for the mixing, mastering and production.
“The new album carries 5 tracks namely Pasi rachema, Ndijesu, Alamu a chewa song, Pedyo naMwari and Mabasa. As usual the songs carry a message of hope, faith and other key life teachings and we have really given our all in the production process,” Zakaria said.
The hand of respected producer Bothwell Nyamhondera is evident in the new album and we want to promise our fans a good time with the new album. It’s all systems go come Saturday night.”
A credible and consistent musician, Madzibaba has carved an indelibele niche in the local music industry and it remains to be seen if the new album; his birthday present to his loyal fans will carry the magic that birthed some of his monumental hits likes Mabvi Nemagokora, Mazano and Tsamba to name a few.
Zakaria has continued on an upward surge in his career and continues to attract the confidence of various brands that are engaging him under various brand endorsement deals. His live shows are also attracting encouraging crowds and he thanked Zimbabweans for their goodwill.
“A lot has changed in the local music industry but we thank God for the goodwill we continue to enjoy from the corporate world and ordinary Zimbabweans. This is proof that professionalism and consistency pays,” he said.
“Given how dynamic the industry has become, we decided to engage professionals to help us with our corporate affairs and other strategic aspects of the brand and the results are showing.”