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Tawanda Matanhire : Cool Lifestyle Writer
Irvine Topozi is living the life that other kids only dream of. The unassuming youngster is playing in the premier league of the music game. For him the bright lights and the spotlight are now ordinary. Irvine is bass guitarist and back up musician for popular artiste Bob “The Headmaster” Nyabinde. The Dzivarasekwa born artiste who grew up in the care of his mother after his father died when he was five years old fits in perfectly with his more experienced peers.
He attended Kuwadzana 6 and Dzivarasekwa Primary schools then Dzivarasekwa 1 High School for his secondary education where he was an average student.
Getting inspiration from veteran guitarist Enock Piroro, Topozi learnt how to play a guitar through his friend Tafadzwa Tapfumaneyi who owns a studio.
He took up music seriously in 2012 at age 16 and played in several churches, improving his skill in the trade though he was still in school.
He would give time to the nurturing of his talent through jamming sessions at his friend’s studio.
“I would come from school and go to the studio where my friend would help me with guitar chords and we would have jamming sessions,” Irvine said.
“It was challenging because of school commitments but my mother was supportive, encouraging me to push myself academically as well as musically.”
In true Hollywood style, Irvine was “discovered” by Bob Nyabinde’s son and from being just another boy messing around with a guitar, Irvine joined the world of career musicians.
“Bob Nyabinde’s son Aggabu introduced me to professional music. I would play basic bass chords but after the introduction into professional music by Aggabu I was able to enhance my skills,” Topozi said.
“It was a turnaround of my life to be awarded an opportunity to play for The Headmaster because it introduced me to professional music,” Topozi said.
Bob Nyabinde’s bassist left the band which gave the young man the opportunity to be in the band full time in 2015 as replacement.
When the young man got into Nyabinde’s camp he thought he would leave everything else and focus on music but The Headmaster counselled him to dream big.
“I wanted to focus on music alone but Bob Nyabinde taught me otherwise by encouraging me to take up a professional course,” Topozi said.
Topozi is currently studying for a two-year diploma in Telecommunication at the University of Zimbabwe which he will complete in 2017.
Nyabinde has been a mentoring force in Topozi’s life using his professional skills to shape the young man who in return has embraced the walk with the star.
Many young musicians with potential often waste their talent on sex and drugs but that has not been a problem for Irvine. Hanging out with The Headmaster means that he has to always be on his best behaviour!
“The journey for me has been easy because Bob Nyabinde has been like a father, leading me in decision making to enhance my career and desisting from immoral practices. The man is strict. After every show he drives us home just to make sure we are safe,” he added.
Topozi’s passion for music has made him a willing learner who is humble and is willing to take advice from sought after professionals.
“The problem with a lot of young people who are getting into music is that they think themselves perfect and at the end of the day they remain at the same level because of their unwillingness to learn,” Topozi said.
Irvine says his journey has only begun as he aims to reach the levels of his inspiration Enock Piroro who has made a mark in the music circles and currently plays for Oliver Mtukudzi.
Online Reporter