Nicholas Zhacharia

Nicholas Zacharia, best known as Madzibaba, is a sungura musician from Zimbabwe.

Born in 1957 at Belgownie Estates in Mazowe, Madzibaba is one of the talented sungura musicians in the country. Living in farms inspired him to sing. His father used to play a box guitar at some parties. At ten, he could properly play the guitar but his parents discouraged him. At 18, he formed a music group The Green Mangoes with late Robson Kaitano. Madzibaba left the group to become a storekeeper. In 1980, he formed Vhuka Boys with the help of Shepherd Chinyani. The group recorded many singles but their music could not compete against musicians like John Chibadura, Thomas Mapfumo and the Bundu Boys.

In 1984, Madzibaba left the Vhuka Boys and formed the Khiama Boys. The group comprised Cephas Karushanga, Levison Chakanyuka, Tineyi Chikupo, Alick Macheso, System Tazvida, and wife Margaret Gweshe. They released many songs and albums and competed with the big names such Leonard Dembo, James Chimombe and Marshall Munhumumwe. He has released more than 26 albums. Some of his well-received songs include ‘Kubva Kure’, ‘Mabvi Nemagokora’, ‘Shamiso’ and ‘Mabhauwa’.