Published by the government of Zimbabwe
Trust Khosa
12 April 2008
Harare — Madzibaba Nicholas Zakaria - the uncrowned godfather of sungura - will next month embark on his maiden tour of the United Kingdom for a series of live performances.
The left-handed lead guitarist, whose career spans over three decades, says he is happy to be finally meeting his Diasporan fans.
A Zimbabwe-born promoter resident in the United Kingdom is behind Madzibaba's tour. He is billed to perform at the Polish Association Club in London on May 2 before heading to Liecester for another gig at the Starlite Centre the following day. He wraps the three-day tour at the West Indian Centre in Leeds on May 4.
Madzibaba, who has spawned big names in the mould of Alick Macheso, the late System Tazvida and Cephas Karushanga, admits the tour was long overdue.
"I have been in the industry for sometime now but I have not had an opportunity to meet all my followers from across the globe. "Being my first trip to the United Kingdom, I will simply treat this tour like any of those regional ones I have had over the years. "I know the demands that lie ahead. But as a seasoned guitarist, who has seen it all over the years, I'll give it my best shot," he said.
Madzibaba, who has more than 15 albums under his belt, says the tour comes at a time when his music is in great demand in the UK.
"Our fans from the Diaspora have been following us. They have also been asking for our music collection (CDs and cassettes) and we have finally heeded their calls. "In recent months, they have been asking for the DVD of Mbuva Yeupenyu (his latest DVD) and we managed to send them some of our material to sample.
"As we go to the UK, we hope to travel with our regalia, CDs and even DVDs as part of our promotional material. "Such tours are rare and we would like to leave a lasting impression when we go there," she said. He said the promoters had agreed to pay them a flat fee in advance..
"We felt it was proper that they pay us our performance fees before we leave and we have since agreed. Mari yavakativimbisa iri nani zvayo zvekuti tinotombotengawo mazondo kana tadzoka. I can't disclose the figure for professional reasons, but it is an enticing offer," he explained.
Madzibaba did not expect any of his seven-piece band members to desert him once the tour is over.
"I don't think the guys will run way from me because they are all married people.
"They have families to look after and that is the sort of assurance that I have from my bands members that they will not forsake me. We have been working as a family and they all know what life is like in the Diaspora."
Madziba is one of several sungura artistes who have been invited to the United Kingdom in recent years. The others include the Chimbetus (Simon, Allan and Sulumani), Alick Macheso, Tongai Moyo and Leonard Zhakata.
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