ZIMURA Extends Incapacitation Grant To Sungura Icon Nicholas Zakaria

The Zimbabwe Music Rights Association (ZIMURA) has extended financial assistance to Sungura music icon Nicholas Zakaria, affectionately known as “Madzibaba”, to help cover his medical expenses during a difficult period in his life.

Zakaria, a veteran of Zimbabwe’s music scene and long-time ZIMURA member since 1990, is currently unable to perform due to ill health.

ZIMURA Director of Information, Media and Publicity Alexio Gwenzi has said the association recently dispatched a team of representatives to visit the musician and present him with a one-off incapacitation allowance designed to ease his financial burden as he recuperates.

Gwenzi said the gesture is part of ZIMURA’s broader effort to support members beyond just collecting and distributing royalties. Said Gwenzi:

The incapacitation allowance is a vital benefit for ZIMURA members who are unable to perform or create music due to illness or other legitimate reasons.

When notified, ZIMURA dispatches an assessment team to evaluate the member’s condition, if the criteria are met, the member receives USD 500 or its equivalent.

Zakaria, a founding figure in the Sungura genre and mentor to many prominent musicians, including Alick Macheso, has been facing mounting medical costs while also struggling to support his family during his incapacitation.

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