Nicholas Zakaria


Nicholas Zakaria, also known as Madzibaba and Senior Lecturer, was a Zimbabwean sungura musician, guitarist and bandleader. He was best known as the founder and leader of the Khiama Boys, one of the most influential groups in Zimbabwean sungura music, and for mentoring several artists who later achieved major success.

Life and career

Zakaria was born in the Mazowe area of Zimbabwe and became active in music during the 1970s. He later founded and led the Khiama Boys, a band that played a significant role in the development and popularisation of modern sungura music in Zimbabwe.
Several musicians who later became prominent figures in Zimbabwean popular music began their careers in the Khiama Boys under Zakaria’s leadership. These included Alick Macheso and System Tazvida. His role in developing younger talent earned him the nickname “Senior Lecturer”.

Personal life

Zakaria was married to fellow musician Margaret Gweshe. His title “Madzibaba” reflected his apostolic faith and became a defining part of his public image.

Discography

The "Senior Lecturer" had various singles and 23 albums to his name. The albums, compilations and singles he released and the years are as per below:
Albums:
  • Kubva Kure
  • Kutambura
  • Kuva Nemari
  • Chikumbiro
  • Mabvi Nemagokora
  • Ndine Mubvunzo
  • Chiraramo
  • Zvirimudzimba
  • Yeuchidzo
  • Tokundika here?
  • Mashoko
  • Dzidziso
  • Ramangwana
  • Munongedzo
  • Chiedza
  • Mbuva Yeupenyu
  • Simbiso
  • Ruvheneko
  • Kurapa Nemazwi
  • Rumbidzo
  • Takakomborerwa
  • Inzwa Unzwe
  • Musabvunda
Compliations:
Singles:

1986

  • Makhwala Olemela
  • Makamure
  • Sheba
  • Shamwari Yangu

    1987

  • Abale Anga
  • Ndine Zvinondinetsa
  • Mwana Ume
  • Yusitina
  • Cecilia
  • Mwari Baba

    1988

  • Ndiri Munhamo
  • Hanzvadzi Yangu
  • Chipo
  • Taurai Chandakatadza

    1989

  • Mabhauwa
  • Nhano
  • Mwana Wangu Wakura
  • Kupereka Moni
  • Hupenyu
  • Pwere Ipwere

    1991

  • Shamiso

    1992

  • Nyamulani Kasu
  • Tsiga
  • Amai NaBaba Usavakanganwe
  • Lucy
All tracks were produced by Bothwell Nyamhondera. This list reflects the most commonly documented Khiama Boys singles from that era.

Death

Zakaria died on 11 December 2025 after a period of ill health. Contemporary media reports stated that he had been battling chronic conditions, including diabetes and hypertension, in the months leading up to his death.