The Sunday Mail
Prince Mushawevato
Features and Arts Editor
SEASONED Afro-jazz musician Bob Nyabinde celebrated his 68th birthday in style on March 10 in Harare.
Unlike last year, the “Chabuda Hapana” hitmaker’s family decided to host a small but intimate event.
His sons, Agga and Albert, backed by the 2 Nice Band, provided entertainment.
It was a night to remember, as they flawlessly delivered some of Nyabinde’s hit songs.
“I am happy that I have a loving and caring family and friends. They have organised this nice event for me and I am enjoying it. I can feel the love,” the veteran singer told The Sunday Mail Society on the sidelines of the event.
“I am no longer active on stage but music remains my love. I am glad that my boys (Agga and Albert) are soldiering on well. Actually, I think they are doing better than me.”
Among the guests were Nyabinde’s relatives, mainly from the Mugadza family (his maternal side), who played an active role in making the birthday celebrations a success.
Cakes, including a meat cake, were served on the day.
Agga left the celebrants in stitches when he jestingly asked “. . . Mucharoora rinhi, daddy?” while singing the “Happy Birthday” song.
The former headmaster lost his wife in 2007 and vowed never to remarry.
Nyabinde is no longer an active musician after he lost his eyesight due to diabetes a few years ago. He also later suffered a stroke.
He is, however, recovering from the stroke with the help of medical professionals.
One could not help but notice how jovial he was throughout the night.
Here and there, he would gently sway to the music and at times make guitar-strumming gestures. He also could not help but rhythmically nod his head, as the youthful and energetic band worked its magic on stage.
“Listening to them play gives me peace of mind. I like the progress Agga has made with regards to his music career, but he needs to keep his head high and also learn more things in order to stay afloat in this cut-throat music industry,” said Nyabinde.
“I want him to have self-discipline and, above all, respect his fans and the audience he plays for at any given time. There is no reason to fail to fulfil a show because of a poor turnout. Be humble always, and even play for two people. That is how brands are built,” said Nyabinde.
Last year, his birthday celebrations were organised by a committee set up by the National Arts Council (Midlands chapter) and the Ministry of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation. The well-attended event was held in Kwekwe and graced by fellow musicians, music promoters and fans.
“The support I have received from different people is so encouraging. This is why I need the boys to remain level-headed. They should be able to take criticism. When you stand on stage, do not think you are the best and that the world revolves around you.
“What most musicians do not understand is that revellers who grace their gigs are also professionals in their own right. Yes, they will be drinking, but that does not mean they cannot offer constructive criticism.
“Actually, in their drunken stupor, they know what they will be doing. If you do not treat them with respect, you risk losing fans along the way,” he said.
Music promoter Josh Hozheri, who has worked with the Afro-jazz crooner for decades, was among the people who attended the celebrations.
“Our relationship dates back to the time I used to run Jazz 105. Bob was one of the trusted musicians I used to hire for my annual jazz festivals that also featured international stars,” said the promoter.
“He is not self-centred. This is one guy who knows how to respect others. I hope the public and his fellow musicians will learn a lot from his biography that we are working on and is now due for release.”
Veteran journalist Munyaradzi Huni is writing Nyabinde’s biography.
Twitter: @princemusha
