By Patience Gondo
Veteran sungura musician Nicholas Zakaria widely known as Senior Lecturer or Madzibaba has died, his family announced on December 11 2025.
In a statement shared on the official Nicholas Zakaria and Khiama Boys Facebook page, the family expressed their grief.
“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.” Family said.
Funeral and memorial arrangements have not yet been announced. The family said details will be shared in due course. 
Zakaria was a founder member of the influential band Khiama Boys, formed in the early 1980s. The group played a foundational role in shaping the sound and direction of Zimbabwe’s modern sungura genre. 
Born in 1956 in Mazowe, Zakaria began playing guitar in his youth. Over nearly five decades in music, he built a reputation as both a gifted artist and a mentor. 
After the original Khiama Boys lineup split, Zakaria pursued a solo career releasing many albums and producing a string of hit songs including “Mabhauwa” and “Ruregerero.” 
His influence extended beyond his own music a generation of Zimbabwean artists credit him for shaping their careers among them Alick Macheso ,System Tazvida and Tongai Moyo Dhewa.
In recent years, Zakaria’s health declined.
He battled chronic illnesses including diabetes and hypertension an ordeal that at times forced him to step back from performing.
In mid 2025 the Zimbabwe Music Rights Association (ZIMURA) provided him a one off incapacitation allowance to assist with medical costs. 
Despite illness, Zakaria remained vocal about his desire to give back. In 2022 he spoke publicly of plans to establish an arts centre in Chitungwiza to mentor and train young musicians a dream many say captures his lifelong commitment to nurturing talent in Zimbabwe. 
Fellow musicians, fans and cultural figures immediately took to social media to express shock and grief.
Many described his passing not just as the loss of a musician, but the end of an era in Zimbabwe’s music history. 
Zakaria was more than a musician and he was a teacher, a mentor and a guiding presence in an industry that has grown and changed dramatically over the decades. His music provided the soundtrack for many lives; his guidance helped shape the careers of leading artists.
Prior to his death , renowned Zacharia has created , inspired and mentored several legendary musicians who still represent his legacy .