MADZIBABA Nicholas Zakaria Sungura living legend is a national treasure, various stakeholders in showbiz have said.
This was the chorus by speakers at his 66th birthday dinner held at Nyaradzo Functions Room in Houghton Park over the weekend.
Madzibaba Zakaria was showered with praises and presents.
The veteran musician could be seen fighting back tears after one of the musicians, Forward Mazuruse, performed the brand new track titled “Makorokoto Machengetwa,” which he dedicated to Madzibaba.
“I was humbled that there are people who appreciate my work even though it took me several years to realise it.
“The gentleman (Forward Mazuruse) who sang and performed that song left me in tears because I had never expected that all my entire life.
“I was shocked by the presence of Minister Paul Mavima and other Government officials, who sacrificed their time to be with me.
“To think that I have spent 47 years in the game, and 40 years at the helm of Khiama Boys, is not a joke. I felt loved and I will certainly return the favour because the love I got meant a lot,” he said.
STUDENTS
Madzibaba, whose outfit has been known to be a conveyor belt of stars, said it was his mandate to help others.
His list of students includes the late System Tazvida, Amon Mvula, Cephas Karushanga, Arron Chinamira and Tineyi Chikupo.
Currently, his wife Margaret Gweshe, who was part of the mighty Khiama Boys, Alick Macheso and Simon Mutambi are some of his products, who are still alive.
“I have done a lot for the industry and I am happy stakeholders have noticed my efforts.
“It’s really good to be a game-changer in life,” he said.
GIFTS’ GALORE
His management hailed various stakeholders who pampered him with gifts.
“Nyaradzo Group hosted and sponsored the birthday celebrations dinner in full.
“Madzibaba got a full solar system for all electric gadgets and lighting at his house from Chloride Zimbabwe, who also provided funding for all the logistical and marketing needs, for the event.
“He also got a tailor-made lounge suite from Style Cabin, an Android phone from Parul Tech,” said marketing executive, Lazarus Zakaria.
“He also got a healthy foods hamper from Glytime Foods and memory sticks for music sales from Avylet Logistics.
“Click n Pay printed over 200 caps and T-shirts for the album promotion, Joem Printers handled all printing and branding needs.
“Kamili Investments covered the album production costs while GaryTrans chauffeured him to the venue with security company, Three Sixty (Pvt) Ltd, providing the security and escort at the launch.
“Esteem Communications, under the management of Takemore Mazuruse, co-ordinated the launch.”
HUMILITY
Esteem Communications, who coordinated the event, said they were humbled to play a role in the celebrations.
“As a leading creative agency, we are happy with the strides we have made with Madzibaba Nicholas Zakaria and his Khiama Boys brand since our engagement in 2019.
“We join the entire nation in celebrating his 66th birthday and the successful launch of his 29th studio album, Musabvunda.
“The man’s humility, consistency, credibility, character and professionalism has carried the day for him and we are happy that many corporate brands are showing confidence in him.
“We wish him continued success, even at that golden age, and we hope the nation continues to rally behind him and other progressive musicians in Zimbabwe.
“There is so much that can be derived from corporate and creative sector synergies in a way that benefits the broader economy,” he said.
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