Nicholas Zakaria Widow Accuses Nephew of Hijacking Khiama Boys Legacy Band

A bitter family dispute has erupted over the future of the legendary Khiama Boys brand, with the widow of late sungura music icon Nicholas Zakaria accusing a nephew of taking control of the group's legacy without the family's approval.

Zakaria, affectionately known as "Madzibaba," died on December 11, 2025, at the age of 69, following complications related to diabetes. His death marked the end of an era for Zimbabwean sungura music, leaving behind a rich catalogue of hits and a band that shaped generations of musicians.

However, just months after his passing, divisions have emerged within the family over who has the right to carry forward the Khiama Boys name. The conflict centres on the formation of the Khiama Boys Legacy Band by Zakaria's nephew, Lazarus Zakaria. The new outfit was launched approximately six months after the musician's death, sparking objections from the late artist's widow, Margaret Chiroro, popularly known as Margaret Gweshe.

Speaking from her Chitungwiza home, Chiroro expressed shock at the development and accused Lazarus of misleading the public regarding his relationship with the late musician.

"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. He is actually the son of Madzibaba's sister and only uses the Zakaria surname through his mother's family."

Chiroro said the decision to revive the Khiama Boys brand was made without consulting the immediate family and questioned the legitimacy of the project.

According to the widow, Lazarus recruited several former band members whom Nicholas Zakaria had allegedly dismissed during his lifetime.

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

The dispute has also reopened questions about ownership of the Khiama Boys brand, one of the most recognised names in Zimbabwean sungura music.

Chiroro maintains that she played a key role in establishing the group alongside her husband during its formative years.

"By the way, Madzibaba and I formed Khiama Boys when we were performing at Bhora Growth Point alongside Teneyi Chikupo and Alick Macheso," she said. "I was a singer and dancer, and I helped my husband compose many of the songs that made him famous."

The widow has threatened legal action to stop Lazarus from using the Khiama Boys' name and performing songs associated with the late musician's catalogue.

She further claimed that Nicholas Zakaria had identified other relatives, including Mathew Zakaria and Godknows Landirani, as individuals he trusted to continue his musical legacy. Beyond the dispute over the band, Chiroro also alleged that Lazarus failed to account for condolence funds collected during the funeral and disappeared without presenting a financial report to the family.

The disagreement has also highlighted broader tensions within the extended family, with Chiroro alleging that some decisions, including memorial arrangements, were made without her consent. When contacted for comment, Lazarus Zakaria declined to respond to the allegations.

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

The dispute leaves uncertainty hanging over the future of the Khiama Boys brand and raises broader questions about succession, intellectual property rights, and legacy management in Zimbabwe's music industry.

Nicholas Zakaria