Growing up in rural Zaka, the sound of sungura music reverberated through our lives, becoming our cherished soundtrack.
I fondly recall the exuberant gatherings at nearby shops like PaHosiya, and for the more adventurous, the daring treks spanning over 10km to the Chitora or Chekenyere shops every Christmas Day.
These outings were all about reveling in the latest festive releases from legendary musicians such as Simon Chimbetu, Leonard Zhakata, Thomas Mapfumo, and the late, great Khiama Boys frontman, Madzibaba Nicholas Zakaria, affectionately known as the Senior Lecturer among music lovers.
This was before Alick Macheso and the late Tongai Moyo ascended to the throne of Sungura after 2000.
Back in the day, radios were not a staple in every household, especially among traditional parents.
Most of us relied on local bars or the few ‘enlightened’ villagers with radios to discover new music.
Each year, we would engage in spirited debates about which musician would dominate the end-of-year radio charts on December 31.
The influence of Sungura music was palpable and profound. There is a tale from our Machiva village in Zaka about VaMalaya, an elder who reportedly slumped in tears while dancing to Nicholas Zakaria’s hit, Mazano.
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When asked why he cried, his response was a heartfelt reflection, ‘Ndiri kuchema kuti ndachembera nyika yava kunakidza’ loosely translated to I am regretting how I am now in the twilight of my life yet life is getting sweeter and exciting.
VaMalaya couldn’t bear the thought of leaving this world without experiencing the joy brought forth by his beloved chibuku brew and timeless music from legends like Zakaria.
As we bid farewell to the music icon that Zakaria was, I am reminded of the incredible times we shared during my professional journey, especially after my permanent transition from Zaka to Harare in search of self-actualisation and growth though previously I would occasionally travel to Harare on school holidays to visit my father who worked for one of the big conglomerates.
My connection to local music flourished as I turned a media professional, with my editors at publications tasking me to review new music from various artists.
Even after moving to corporate communications, music remained integral to my identity. I was among the few in the industry to pioneer brand partnerships with musicians, enhancing our communication and marketing strategies.
Fate eventually led me to assist numerous musicians in brand communication, social media marketing, and corporate affairs.
My success in this arena quickly became well-known, prompting artists to seek my team's guidance to unlock their potential, gain visibility, and secure brand partnerships.
This was during a pivotal shift in the music industry as everything transitioned from analogue to digital.
Zakaria was an enigma, and our first encounter at Mbudzi roundabout during a joint show with Peter Moyo was unforgettable.
After a brief discussion with his then-manager Lazarus Zakaria, they requested an official meeting to discuss collaboration.
Days later, he visited our Strathaven offices, accompanied by Lazarus.
What struck me immediately was his grace and humility. Despite his monumental stature, his demeanor was devoid of the typical celebrity arrogance; it felt as if I was meeting another Zakaria.
During our meeting, he expressed his desire to adapt and enhance his brand, recognising the changing times.
He cited successful examples of other musicians we had worked with and sought similar support for his own career.
In response to his request, we invested in strategic communications to maximise his brand visibility and cultivate the narrative surrounding his esteemed sungura music legacy.
Our collaborative journey began earnestly when he sought assistance with his 2017 album, Takakomborerwa, themed around the ‘Khiama Reunion.’
He brought in past band members like Alick Macheso and his brother Zakaria Zakaria for the project.
I reached out to my friend Tinashe Mutarisi from Nash Paints, who had already collaborated with Alick Macheso, as well as music promoter David Mudzudzu, an uncle of mine. We agreed to support the legend with the Khiama Reunion project.
While the launch did not garner phenomenal success, it attracted a respectable gathering at the Chitungwiza Aquatic Complex, where Tryson Chimbetu and Alick Macheso performed alongside him.
The album significantly boosted Madzibaba’s visibility, and our media relations efforts, coupled with social media marketing, propelled the Khiama Boys to remarkable heights.
Our successes were further acknowledged when Madzibaba received his first official music award from the Zimbabwe Music Awards, followed by another Lifetime Award, honouring his contributions to the Sungura genre.
This was particularly striking as, despite his illustrious career, he had not previously received a music award beyond sales accolades from his record label.
As our partnership continued, it was evident that many positives emerged, despite some skepticism from detractors, vana muti ngauwe tiwane tsotso.
Before long, the Khiama Boys' social media presence skyrocketed, engagement flourished, and bookings for live performances, including corporate gigs, surged.
From small brand endorsements with local fashion houses and other growing brands to strategic partnerships with blue-chip companies, we witnessed it all, and I take pride that Madzibaba enjoyed the fruits of these efforts.
One of the local funeral assurance companies that helped us celebrate his 66th birthday and launch his Musabvunda studio album has since honoured their pledge to give him a dignified farewell and I am humbled by such.
Madzibaba was a creative genius. I recall when we produced a jingle for a local bank as part of a seasonal campaign.
I crafted the script according to their brief, and within two hours in the studio, the jingle was ready, swiftly approved, and became an anthem across their radio advertisements.
Madzibaba was health-conscious, often meticulous about his meals. We frequently took breaks from work to enjoy local cuisine together, and he would proudly refer to his Chewa traditions when selecting his dishes.
Remarkably humble, Madzibaba never claimed to know everything about the industry during our collaboration.
Instead, he chose to follow our lead, while I constantly reminded him of his fatherly status and the lessons we could learn from him. He would chuckle and reply, "Aiwa titungamirei Baba Mazuruse."
A mentor of many and a father figure to all, he adored his family and fellow musicians, including the new generation across genres hence the countless collaborations he has left us. His mantra, “a candle loses nothing by lighting another,” was a guiding principle he lived by until his last breath.
Numerous tales circulate about his relationship with mentee Alick Macheso, but my close association with him allowed me to appreciate his perspective.
Madzibaba always spoke highly of Alick's immense talent, and his decision to approach us for assistance partly stemmed from the investment he had seen us make in Alick's brand through both good and challenging times.
To him, our office was a second home, as he recognized our capability in enhancing the digital presence and visibility of musicians including Alick at a time when many still clung to traditional marketing methods.
Back then it was challenging to convince some local artists to embrace the digital shift, and those who resisted this shift have largely faded from the limelight.
Even those who thought our social media marketing meant nothing back then and would hesitate paying us for such have since become fully invested in digital presence for their industry survival.
Madzibaba was fiercely loyal and true, reminding those who tried to create a wedge between us how much our relationship meant to him and how valuable our input was for his brand and music.
While some are quick to forget the good and succumb to rumors, Madzibaba was as real as they come, and I will always cherish that trait.
As we say goodbye to this incredible music legend, teacher, and hero, I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked alongside this larger-than-life character.
Farewell, Madzibaba; your legacy will forever resonate in our hearts.
