The death of sungura icon Nicholas “Madzibaba” Zakaria has shaken Zimbabwe, but one moment touched the nation even more deeply — the emotional message from his son, Lazarus Zakaria, who poured his heart out while mourning the man he called his hero, teacher, and pillar.
As news of the legendary musician’s passing spread, Lazarus shared a heartbreaking tribute that immediately went viral across Facebook, WhatsApp groups, and TikTok. Standing beside family members and close friends, he whispered the words that broke many hearts:
“Zvamandisiya Ndenga…”
loosely meaning “You have left me shattered, Father.”
Those who were present said Lazarus struggled to hold back tears as he described a father who was more than a parent — a mentor whose wisdom, discipline, and humility shaped everyone around him. He thanked Zimbabweans for standing with the family during his father’s health challenges, saying the outpouring of love reminded him how deeply Zakaria’s music had touched the nation.
Social media has since been flooded with prayers and condolences, with many expressing how painful it is to watch a son mourn a man who was a national treasure. Fans described the moment as proof that behind the legend was a loving family, now trying to make sense of a world without their father.
As Zimbabwe continues to celebrate Nicholas Zakaria’s unmatched legacy in sungura, Lazarus’s words echo across the country:
“Baba, zvamandisiya Ndenga… but your music will keep teaching us forever.”
