HARARE - Veteran sungura artiste Madzibaba Nicholas Zakaria has promised to release his 26th album in time for Christmas holidays.

 Zakaria told the Daily News that the expected album will mirror his vast experience as a sungura artiste.
 “The album is ready but I am still to come up with the title”, said the veteran song master.

 “Fans should expect it any time soon but not after the holiday”.

 Madzibaba recently lost his bassist Nasho Azati to another rising sungura artiste at the time of going to the studio but the Khiama band leader remains unfazed.

 “Azati’s move does not change anything because the Khiama Boys is made up of over 40 members, and each guitarist has more than three deputies so the band is still okay.”

 Madzibaba is proud of his contribution to the music industry.

 “As senior lecturer I am happy to groom a number of artistes and this has inspired me to build an arts academy next year in Chitungwiza.

 “The academy borrows a leaf from Oliver Mtukudzi’s Pakare Paye,” said the left-handed lead guitarist.
 Madzibaba has mentored a number of artistes such as sungura kingpin Alick Macheso and his young brother Zakaria Zakaria who recently formed the Chilli band.

 Zakaria, popularly known as Zaka Zaka, is still benefiting from “Senior Lecturer” as he is touring the country performing Madzibaba’s music in addition to his own music.

 The senior lecturer has no problem with his young brother performing his music.

 “There is no problem for Zaka Zaka and even Alick Macheso to perform my songs in public because they are all Khiama Boys’ children.

 “I am acting like their mother and I am happy to see them excelling in their endeavours.

 “Both Zaka Zaka and Macheso are still loyal to Khiama Boys so they have the privilege of benefitting from the band which raised them — they are the Khiama Boys”. - Vasco Chaya