Chitungwiza Considers Road Renaming to Honour Sungura Legend Nicholas Zakaria
Chitungwiza, Zimbabwe — The late sungura pioneer and cultural icon Nicholas “Madzibaba” Zakaria may soon have his name etched into the very fabric of the town he helped define.
The Chitungwiza Municipality is considering renaming one of its major roads in honour of the legendary guitarist, who passed away on December 11 at the age of 69 after a long illness.
Zakaria, affectionately known as the “Godfather of Sungura,” was more than a musical maestro — he was a preacher, mentor, and community pillar. In 2010, he served as Chitungwiza’s cultural ambassador, actively participating in civic initiatives such as the Mayor’s Cheer Fund and outreach to care homes.
Mayor Rosaria Mangoma confirmed that the proposal to rename a road in his honour will be tabled at the next council meeting. “His legacy is entwined with the name Chitungwiza,” she said. “He put our town on the map as an artistic hub, and we owe him a lasting tribute.”
Zakaria’s influence on Zimbabwean music is immeasurable. As the founder of the iconic Khiama Boys, he mentored a generation of sungura stars including Alick Macheso, Simon Mutambi, and the late System Tazvida. His music — marked by messages of peace, love, and unity — resonated across generations, with hits like Chikumbiro, Mabvi Nemagokora, Mazano, and Nzombe Huru becoming cultural touchstones.
Chitungwiza South legislator Maxwell Mavhunga echoed calls for national recognition. “He was a father figure, a moral compass, and a community builder,” Mavhunga said. “If not a national hero, then at least a provincial one — his contribution transcended music.”
The National Democratic Working Group (NDWG) has also joined the chorus, lobbying the municipality to immortalize Zakaria’s name. “He mentored legends and shaped the musical landscape,” the group said in a statement. “Sungura is now known across the world because of him.”
As Chitungwiza contemplates this symbolic gesture, one thing is clear: Nicholas Zakaria’s legacy is not just in melodies, but in the moral and cultural architecture of a town — and a nation — that he helped shape.
