dyton mupawaenda
Arts Reporter
Local jazz enthusiasts will gather at Sherwood Golf Club in Mabelreign, Harare, on Saturday to celebrate the legacy of the late Bob “Headmaster” Nyabinde through song and dance.
Nyabinde died on December 23, 2023, at the age of 68 after a long battle with a stroke. Following his death, his two sons – Albert and Agga Nyabinde – took over the reins and are making significant strides in the local music scene.
Agga leads The 2 Nice Band, while his elder brother, Albert, a music teacher, collaborates with various groups.
The two brothers also perform together whenever Albert is available.
The Nyabinde brothers this Saturday will serenade jazz lovers over the weekend.
Veteran jazz crooner Victor Kunonga, a close friend of the late Nyabinde, will add variety to the event.
Consistent jazz diva Prudence Katomeni-Mbofana is also part of the bill.
Friends and fans of Nyabinde are expected to attend.
Agga, who is coordinating the programme, has invited his friends to join him in honouring his father’s legacy.
“We have decided to hold a special event commemorating my father’s legacy at Sherwood in Harare.
“I have performed there before, but this time around we are calling upon fellow musicians, fans of my late father and the jazz community at large to come and celebrate with us.
“We all know what my father did for the industry and how close he was to other musicians of his generation. He was also a mentor of repute,” he reminisced.
Agga, who now doubles as an administrator with the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe, remains committed to the stage.
“I might be an administrator now, but that doesn’t take away the fact that I am a musician who should perform for his fans.
“I love being on stage, but this time I will be coming wearing two hats — one as a musician and another as a coordinator. We urge fans to show up in numbers and make this celebration worthwhile.”
He also assured fans that there will be lots of surprises and of course powerful performances from some of Zimbabwe’s popular jazz musicians.
“I have also invited some of the big names in jazz circles, like Mono Mukundu, to grace this event. Musical performances will dominate the day, and we want to maintain it that way. It’s simply a day of good music under one roof,” he stressed.
Last year, a similar event was held in Kwekwe, where veteran journalist and researcher Munyaradzi Huni launched Nyabinde’s book at Gulez Gardens.
Titled “The Headmaster With a Guitar: Bob Nyabinde,” the biography chronicled the life of the departed jazz virtuoso who was a darling of many.
Popular for such timeless classics as “Chabuda Hapana,” “Pane Nyaya,” “Zvibingaidzo,” and “Samanyika,” Nyabinde was a gifted composer whose strength lay in social commentary. The same event attracted fellow artists including Mono Mukundu, Kireni Zulu, Stevie “Dhongi” Makoni and Kunonga.
Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi’s widow, Daisy, also graced the event.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture Nicholas Moyo was the guest of honour.
Ace music promoter Josh Hozheri, who worked closely with Nyabinde, facilitated the event. With everything now set for Saturday’s commemoration, it will be a night of fun for jazz connoisseurs.
Judging by the line-up, real enjoyment is guaranteed at Sherwood Golf Club. Kunonga is a seasoned performer who has seen it all in showbiz while Katomene-Mbofana needs no introduction. Mono is a veteran and experienced while Agga and Albert are simply following in the footsteps of their father.
Not only are they learning from the best, but they have also managed to remain firm and resolute despite losing their father.
They were lucky to have been introduced to the musical world when their father was still alive. Those who are yet to get copies of Nyabinde’s biography can still make their inquiries through Agga.
Regalia will also be sold at the event to support the late musician’s sons and their upcoming foundation. Family friend Hozheri is also expected to attend the event, which will certainly culminate in a mini-jazz festival.
This will be good news for all jazz lovers who have been longing for such events. It has also come at a time when jazz lovers and promoters are desperate to revive the genre. Known for attracting mature crowds, jazz is one genre that attracts big spenders who value their artistes.
Locally, the genre still bears a lot of relevance, although the lack of proper funding, jazz venues, and promoters remains a major challenge.
Online Reporter