HARARE – Legendary Sungura musician Nicholas Zakaria, who is reportedly seriously ill, has appealed for prayers from fans as his condition continues to deteriorate.
The music legend, who has been battling diabetes, hypertension, and cramps, has had to forego some gigs because of his affliction.
In an interview with H-Metro, Zakaria said that his fans should appeal for divine intervention, as prayer could be his saving grace. He revealed that Franco Slomo and his beloved Khiama Boys had been holding fort for him while he was unwell.
“I am very sick Zimbabwe, please pray for me . . . I just managed to send my band and PA system to our family show with my son Franco,” he said.
Meanwhile Slomo urged Sungura fans and artists to cease hostilities on social media to unite in honour of Zakaria.
“Let us stop spending time on social sungura music wars and spend it on praying for the living legend of this genre . . . Let us not point fingers at each other,” he said.
His sentiments were also echoed by Kiren Zulu, who encouraged artists to close ranks when one of them was down with illness.
“If one of us gets sick as an artist, we must know and we must visit each other, socialising and listening to their challenges. We must assist each other rather than pretend to have loved a person after his or her death by buying food or coffins.
“John Chibadura never attacked the Chimbetus, Okavango Boys never clashed with Tineyi Chikupo.”
The extent of Zakaria’s illness was revealed by his wife, Margaret Gweshe, last year, who said that the musician was suffering from hypertension and diabetes, which were affecting his legs and hands.
“My husband’s health deteriorated two years ago, he is no longer the same due to poor health,” she said at the time.
“Sometimes he complains of dizziness and he struggles to appear on stage on time during his live performances. We are appealing for help from well-wishers because we are failing to cater for his needs. He is on a special diet.”
