Fans left confused as ‘Madzibaba’ Nicholas Zakaria is buried Muslim style

CHIWESHE – Fans of legendary sungura musician Madzibaba Nicholas Zakaria were left tongue-tied after witnessing the singer’s burial which followed Muslim rituals.

Zakaria, better known as Senior Lecturer, was laid to rest on Sunday at Chavhakaira Village in Chiweshe, following his untimely passing on 11 December.

Debate erupted on social media as fans discussed how they were left confused by the burial rituals performed at the singer’s funeral.

His coffin was destroyed at the gravesite, and his corpse was removed from the coffin, wrapped in a white cloth, which he was buried in.

Some questioned why the musician was not buried according to apostolic or traditional customs, citing his stage name “Madzibaba,” which many associated with apostolic faith practices.

Makuriwani vaive Madzibaba vari Muslim futi?” questioned user Ba Kendrick Jay.

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Evidence Macharaga also had a rhetorical question, “Anga asiri madzibaba we kumasowe here?”

“Kutaura chokwadi apa ndopaita confusion chaiyo, ko kana mamuchida kuvaviga pachi muslim sei vasina kuvigwa day ravafa, aaah amheno zororai murugare snr lecturer,” said Mai Wesley Lesley.

Journalist Hopewell Chin’ono took it upon himself to explain to those who seemed perplexed about what was happening.

“This was common in many parts of Africa, including Zimbabwe. I remember when we were children, when my uncle died, I think it was in 1978 or 1979. His grandchildren and children bought a coffin.

“They were surprised when the elders instructed that the coffin would be destroyed because he was going to be buried wrapped in a blanket or in a reed mat, as per his instruction.”

He added, “Caskets and coffins came with the colonial project. They were not part of how our people buried their dead. Burial was simple, dignified, and rooted in community and spirituality rather than display.”

“There is nothing strange or exceptional about this practice. It is part of our history, our culture, and our way of honouring the dead.

“In the Islamic world, including the Middle East, North Africa, and parts of Asia, burial is done without a coffin. The body is wrapped in a white shroud, kafan, and placed directly in the ground. This is standard Islamic practice.”