I’M ON DEMAND: MADZIBABA
MADZIBABA Nicholas Zakaria reckons he is working overtime as seasoned and upcoming artistes are approaching him for collaborations.
He, however, says he would not shut the door on fellow artistes in need of his expertise.
Among the artistes he has collaborated with in a short space of time are South Africa-based yesteryear musician Nicholas Somerai, Simon Mutambi, Jah Signal, Gwanda-bred singer Thembinkosi “Master Zoe” Zhoue and Lifebouy.
However, it is Somerai who has humbled Madzibaba most after he proposed that they do new version of him catchy song Mudiwa Wangu.
⚫ SOMERAI
The Khiama Boys founder said he was surrprised when he received a call from Somerai ai who begged him for a collaboration.
“He sent me his old song Mudiwa Wangu, which made waves way back, asking me if it was as possible that we add a sungura flair.
“It appears he is experimenting with the he song to come up with a better version of the he track and I am glad we have done a lot of groundwork.
“From what I gathered, he wants to release it ahead of the festive season.
“It was a marvel working with Nicholas as Somerai, an artiste I have known and listened d to over the years,” he said.
Madzibaba said he was not aware that Someerai was also his fan.
“It’s funny how you establish which artistes es appreciate you.
“In my case, I didn’t know that Somerai ai appreciated me so much and I am glad we are re working on a project together,” he said.
⚫ MUTAMBI
Madzibaba, who is set to release his 28th album in which he collaborated with Mutambi, i, said he was also learning from his mentees.
“I groomed this boy and when he decided d that we should collaborate on an album, I just st took him on board.
“He penned three songs and I also have three ee tracks as well on the album to be released on the he 25th of October.
“My three songs on the album are Zvamazuva Ano, Pafunge and Kurairwa, while Mutambi wrote three songs, namely Chitsaru, Upenyu Ivhiri and Mudiwa.
“Mutambi came up with the concept and I liked it straight away, which saw us rushing into the studio to record our album.
“The album is as good as done and being the season for new stuff, it is my hope that fans will embrace it. We are only waiting for the day of release and see how best we can launch it.
“Our fans have been waiting for new stuff and this is the best way we can honour them,” he said.
⚫ OTHERS
At a time when Madzibaba appears to be the most-sought-after sungura artiste, he has combined forces with artistes from other genres.
“When my son Jah Signal approached me and said he wanted to do a rendition of my song on a Zim dancehall feel, I just accepted and that opened doors for other artistes.
“As we speak, my phone is always inundated with calls from Zim dancehall artistes who want to collaborate with me.
“It is my wish that I will work with them, but at the moment I think I am working overtime.
“I can see that fatigue is taking its toll on me at times, but I won’t shut the door on them.
“I can only resume collaborations maybe after the festive season because as artistes, we need time to come up with concepts and see how best we can sell the ideas out there,” he said. Added Madzibaba:
“Of course, there are other youngsters like
Master Zoe from Gwanda who came all the way here begging me to do a collaboration with him.
“We recorded two songs together and I hear the songs are doing well on radio.
“As a father figure, it makes me feel proud to be working with them and there is even more stuff to come if all goes according to plan.”
Madzibaba recently launched a video to his golden Chewa hit song Zomvelamvela.
The corporate world has also embraced him and his camp is upbeat 2020 will end on a good note for him.
Madzibaba has been in the game for a while and has groomed a number of artistes.