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Madzibaba NIcholas Zakaria and Gibson Makumbe

Wellington Kudiwa Entertainment Reporter
In the true spirit of his title as “Senior Lecturer”, sungura musician Madzibaba Nicholas Zakaria is assisting artistes from newly established Chitungwiza-based recording firm Voice of Thunder Studios (VOJ) in recording their work.

The “Mabvi Nemagokora” hit-maker has featured on two albums by upcoming musicians William Benson and Elias Kufazvinei, both of whom he deems artistes of promise if given the relevant exposure they deserve.

Already, Benson’s album, “Ndisimudzirei Jesu” – which features the Senior Lecturer – is receiving favourable airplay on National FM since its release early May.

Madzibaba said he was happy to work with the young artistes, adding it was part of his mission to impart his knowledge to upcoming musicians.

“It is always a good thing to work with young musicians and they deserve our support.

“If we don’t do it for them, then no one else is going to help in uplifting them.

“When they approached me, I realised that they were artistes who had a lot of determination and focus in them. So apart from mentoring them, they requested me to feature on some of their products and I readily obliged,” he said.

Voice of Thunder Studios producer Gibson Makumbe applauded Madzibaba Zakaria for making time to work with upcoming artistes from his studio, saying that the gesture showed that the musician was indeed a man of the people.

“He has his town (Chitungwiza) at heart and by agreeing to work with us at our studio, it shows that he has seen some bright future in us.

“This is the same spirit that other artistes should emulate and it is through this route that our music can grow,” said Makumbe, who is also a musician in his own right.

Established last year, the studio, which is based in Unit O, has so far recorded more than 20 musicians and these include Patricia Mvere, Lovemore Musara, Margaret Mupungai-Gahadzikwa, Fungai Dizari, Kachere Crew, Elder Shepherd Shamu, Elias Kufazvinei and Mukhululi Muswelanto, among others.

One of the artistes, Elder Shamu, said the move by Madzibaba Zakaria to work with them showed that the studio was headed in the right direction.

“It is a positive thing to work with such an icon like Madzibaba Zakaria. In fact, it is great honour since he will rub off his expertise on us,” he said.