Concert to raise funds for ailing ‘Headmaster’

Tafadzwa Zimoyo-Senior Arts Reporter

Rooftop Promotions have organised a musical concert at Theatre in the Park tomorrow to raise funds for ailing music legend Bob Nyabinde affectionately known as “The Headmaster”.

The fundraising concert will see local artistes such as Hope Masike, Victor Kunonga, Prudence Katomeni-Mbofana, Agabu Nyabinde and Chipo Muchegwa performing. 

“While the show will allow limited live audiences of not more than 100 as per national Covid-19 lockdown regulations, it will also be virtually running on different social media platforms. Links to the livestream will be distributed on the institution’s social media pages,” said Rooftop Promotions producer Daves Guzha.

He said that they were happy with how the artistes responded to the call to assist.

“We have come together as his friends and artistes to do this show to assist him in the quest of his health,” said Guzha.    

Hope Masike reinforced the spirit of ‘Ubuntu’, saying she was very excited to be part of the line-up of performers. 

“I enjoy displaying our spirit of ubuntu and I think as musicians, when any misfortune befalls one of us, we need to come together and work as a team to help one another,” she said. 

Meanwhile, Nyabinde is one of the most celebrated musical talents in Zimbabwe, widely known mostly for his song “Chabuda Hapana” released in 2002 from his debut album “Pane Nyaya” which topped charts on local radio stations.

Nyabinde has been battling diabetes which has affected 90 percent of his eyesight.

This then led to a stroke in July, incapacitating his left side.

In an interview, Nyabinde’s son Agabu, confirmed that the his father’s is deteriorating and he now required treatment.

“He has been suffering from diabetes for the past two years and now with a stroke, his left side is numb. 

“At the moment, he is undergoing basic diabetes treatment and also some occupational therapy and physiotherapy sessions. He is staying with my elder brother, Albert,” he said. 

Nyabinde, who is also participating in the concert expressed his appreciation to the fellow artistes for coming to his aid.

“As his son and an artiste, I also appreciate what fellow artistes are doing. Since music is our calling, there is nothing else we can do other than fulfilling his wishes, that is listening to music while we are also helping him. Ever since the word spread that he was not feeling well, some local musicians wanted to help, but due to Covid-19, it is difficult to gather as normal, hence this is the only way. 

“My father loves music and this can be the best therapy for him. He has even composed a song that he asked us to sing titled ‘Tinavo Vanotida”’, he said.