Biographies keep celebrity legacies alive

Society Reporter

The biography of the late Bob Nyabinde was officially unveiled to the public in Kwekwe at a colourful ceremony that was attended by several musicians, top Government officials, relatives, friends and several other invited guests.

Prior to the launch, author of the book, Munyaradzi Huni, presented a copy of the biography, “The Headmaster With A Guitar: Bob Nyabinde”, to President Mnangagwa at State House.

Nyabinde, affectionately known as “The Headmaster” in music circles, died on December 23, 2023, and was buried at his rural home in Kwekwe.

A memorial service also coincided with the launch, before music fans were treated to a concert held in the late singer’s honour.

The Government was represented by the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Permanent Secretary Mr Nicholas Moyo and Dr Biggie Samwanda, the director of arts in the same ministry, while the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe was represented by Mr Josiah Kusena, the acting director.

“As Government, we are not in the business of ignoring our own. That is why we helped Albert and Agga Nyabinde in all ways possible, including covering the costs of physiotherapy and offering a State-assisted funeral,” said Mr Moyo during the book launch.

“The book was presented to His Excellency yesterday, so the official presentation has been done to the First Family and today we are doing a public presentation.”

Mr Moyo encouraged artistes to pen their memoirs and books for posterity.

“This book is not about money. There is much more to it. The commitment by the writer (Huni), Josh Hozheri and Agga’s family to put together resources to make this biography a success must be commended.

“I’m sure universities and colleges that teach music and the arts will find this book useful. It can also be used as a setbook now that we talk of Education 5.0. Huni has made a huge contribution to the knowledge-base of Zimbabwe. We have a few writers in the creative industry,” he said.

The book launch was a formal and strictly-by-invite occasion and was professionally planned. Huni, who wrote the book under The Legacy Diaries, in partnership with Jazz 105 Promotions, acknowledged the project’s zero-budget challenges.

His motive, he said, was to transform the narrative of the Zimbabwe arts sector.

Huni and music promoter Hozheri were responsible for covering all expenses associated with writing the book, which included travelling to Mutare and Kwekwe to conduct interviews with Nyabinde’s friends, family and former co-workers.

“What Hozheri did not tell you is that there was no budget for the book’s writing. We funded it from our own pockets. But because Bob was such a lovely guy, we both sacrificed to finance it.

“However, I will pay the designers and printers, and I do not expect financial benefit from the book. I want the family to benefit from the proceeds. This was a commissioned biography and Bob directed me to people to interview.

“There is still room to write more about Bob. I want to encourage other writers to do biographies of our legends. Artistes can also write autobiographies, which will help share their stories,” said Huni.

Hozheri, a close friend of Nyabinde and 105 Promotions director, came up with the idea of writing a book shortly after Nyabinde suffered a stroke at the onset of Covid-19.

Former Black Spirits manager and seasoned drummer Sam Mataure said it was pleasing to have one of them honoured in such a huge way.

“This is what we need to do for all our legends. This way, we will keep their legacies intact,” he said.

Musical bands from Kwekwe, Steve Makoni, Kireni Zulu, Victor Kunonga, Mono Mukundu, and Agga and Albert Nyabinde serenaded music lovers, who danced well into the night during the tribute concert.

Mataure mesmerised revellers by playing drums with one hand.