Zimbabwes legendary musician Nicolas Zakaria DEAD

Zimbabwean sungura musician Nicholas Zakaria has died aged 68, his family has confirmed.

In a statement released on his official Facebook page, the family said: “It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Nicholas Zakaria, the talented musician and beloved member of our community.

Nicholas left an indelible mark on the music world with his inspiring voice and dedication to his craft. His legacy will live on through his music, and he will be deeply missed by fans and loved ones. Details regarding a memorial service will be shared in due course. Rest in peace, senior lecturer.”

Details about the cause of death were not immediately available, though the artist was admitted to hospital last year after being diagnosed with diabetes.

Zakaria, widely regarded as one of the foundational figures of sungura, leaves behind a career spanning nearly five decades.

Born in 1956 at Belgownie Estate in Mazowe, he began playing guitar in secret after leaving school in Grade Seven.

“My father… later recognised my passion for music and allowed me to continue playing,” he once recalled in a local media interview.

Born in 1957 at Belgownie Estates in Mazowe, Zakaria, popularly known as Madzibaba, grew up on farms, an environment he later said inspired his early interest in music.

His father played a box guitar at social gatherings, and by the age of ten he could already play the instrument, though his parents initially discouraged him.