Khiama Boys succession row deepens

A bitter succession dispute has erupted within the family of late sungura music icon Nicholas Zakaria, with his widow accusing a nephew of hijacking the legendary Khiama Boys brand just months after the musician's death.

Zakaria, popularly known as Madzibaba, died on December 11 last year at the age of 69 following diabetes-related complications, leaving behind one of Zimbabwe's most celebrated sungura bands.

The group remained inactive for nearly six months after his death before his nephew, Lazarus Zakaria, launched the Khiama Boys Legacy Band, a move that has triggered sharp divisions within the late musician's family.

Speaking in an interview at her Chitungwiza home, Zakaria's widow, Margaret Chiroro, popularly known as Margaret Gweshe, accused Lazarus of exploiting her late husband's name and misleading the public about his relationship with the sungura star.

"I was surprised to hear that there is a new group called Khiama Boys Legacy Band led by our nephew, Lazarus Zakaria," she said.

"Lazarus is not Madzibaba's son, as he has been claiming to the public. In fact, he is the son of Madzibaba's sister and ended up using his mother's surname."

Chiroro alleged that Lazarus assembled a band without consulting the family and included former members whom Zakaria had previously dismissed.

"He did not seek my blessing when he assembled a band largely composed of people who were fired by Madzibaba," she said.

The widow said she was particularly hurt because Lazarus had previously managed some of her husband's affairs and had been treated as part of the family.

She also claimed that she played a significant role in establishing and building the Khiama Boys brand alongside her husband.

"By the way, Madzibaba and I formed Khiama Boys in the days when we performed at Bhora Growth Point alongside Teneyi Chikupo and Alick Macheso," she said.

"I was a singer and dancer. I helped my husband compose most of the songs that made him a household name."

Chiroro has demanded that Lazarus stop using the Khiama Boys name and performing Zakaria's music, warning that she is prepared to pursue legal action to protect the brand.

She further claimed that the late musician had identified other relatives, including nephew Mathew Zakaria and Godknows Landirani, as the individuals who would continue his musical legacy.

The dispute extends beyond the band's future. Chiroro also accused Lazarus of failing to account for condolence funds collected during Zakaria's funeral and alleged that he disappeared shortly after the burial without providing a financial report to the family.

She additionally raised concerns over unresolved financial matters involving business relationships and endorsement arrangements entered into during her husband's lifetime.

The widow said tensions have also emerged between her and some members of Zakaria's extended family, claiming that key family decisions, including a memorial service, were conducted without her consent.

She revealed that the musician left behind property, including an almost-completed 10-roomed house in Norton where the couple had planned to relocate before his death.

Despite the ongoing dispute, Chiroro said she remains involved in preserving her late husband's musical legacy through songwriting support for musicians she believes were genuinely chosen to continue his work.

When approached for comment on the allegations, Lazarus declined to respond in detail.

"Haa, I can't comment on that," he said.

He also claimed that he no longer had the widow's contact details.

The dispute has exposed deep divisions within the camp of the late sungura star, with uncertainty continuing to surround the future of the Khiama Boys name and the management of Zakaria's musical legacy.