Madzibaba Nicholas Zakaria’s Muslim Burial Raises Eyebrows

Legendary sungura musician Madzibaba Nicholas Zakaria was laid to rest at Chavhakaira Village in Chiweshe following Muslim burial rites. The burial has sparked widespread debate on social media.

Sungura Icon Dies at 68

Madzibaba Zakaria passed away on Thursday morning, 11 December 2025, at the age of 68 after a prolonged illness.

The veteran musician had been battling several health complications, including diabetes, hypertension and recurring leg swelling, conditions that increasingly affected his mobility and overall wellbeing in recent years.

Traditional Muslim Burial Observed

According to ZBC, during the burial, Nicholas Zakaria’s body was removed from the casket, which was broken apart, and interred wrapped in white cloth in line with Islamic burial customs.

The solemn ceremony marked the final farewell to one of Zimbabwe’s most influential sungura performers.

Family members and close associates attended the burial, which was conducted quietly in accordance with religious traditions.

Social Media Reacts to Burial Rites

Video showing Madzibaba Nicholas Zakaria’s Muslim burial rites has sparked a buzz, with many social media users expressing surprise and confusion.

Some questioned why the musician was not buried according to apostolic or traditional customs, citing his stage name “Madzibaba,” which many associated with apostolic faith practices.

Others defended the family’s decision, stressing that burial rites are determined by personal belief and family wishes rather than public perception or stage identity.

Here are some of the comments:

@Tafadzwa Kadigo;

I thought madzibaba was a Christian and not Muslim

@Mai Wesley Lesley;

Kutaura chokwadi apa ndopaita confusion chaiyo,,ko kana mamuchida kuvaviga pachi muslim sei vasina kuvigwa day ravafa,,aaah amheno zororai murugare snr lecturer

@Cracious Madzima;

So there was no need yekuvati Madzibaba. We shld have called him Madzichawa instead

@Benjamin Zondo;

Saka huMadzibaba wacho hwaiva hwekunakidzwa chete?

Woti ndiri Mupostori ,woti ndiri Moslem?

@Evidence Macharaga;

Anga asiri madzibaba we kumasowe

@Mpumelelo Ndebele;

Ndiyo nguva yekutanga yandakaona mariro akadai. Kudzidza hakuperi. Rest well sir.

@Ba Kendrick Jay;

Makuriwani vaive Madzibaba vari Muslim futi ????