Celebrating Bob “Headmaster” Nyabinde’s Legacy at Sherwood Golf Club

Local jazz enthusiasts are gearing up for an unforgettable night at Sherwood Golf Club in Mabelreign, Harare, this Saturday, as they gather to honor the legacy of the late Bob “Headmaster” Nyabinde through music and dance. The event promises to be a heartfelt celebration of the iconic jazz musician, who passed away on December 23, 2023, at the age of 68 after a prolonged battle with a stroke.

In the wake of Nyabinde’s death, his two sons, Albert and Agga Nyabinde, have stepped up to continue his musical legacy. Agga, who leads The 2 Nice Band, and Albert, a music teacher and collaborator with various groups, are making significant strides in the local music scene. The two brothers also perform together when Albert’s schedule permits.

Agga is taking charge of organizing this special commemoration, which is set to serenade jazz lovers with soulful melodies and powerful performances. Veteran jazz crooner Victor Kunonga, a close friend of Nyabinde, will be part of the lineup, adding a touch of variety to the evening. The ever-consistent jazz diva Prudence Katomeni-Mbofana will also perform, further elevating the event’s appeal.

In a message inviting friends, fans, and fellow musicians to the event, Agga expressed his enthusiasm for honoring 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,” he shared. “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.”

Though Agga now works as an administrator with the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe, his passion for performing remains strong. “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,” he said. He encouraged fans to attend and assured them that the event would be filled with surprises and exceptional performances from some of Zimbabwe’s most renowned jazz artists.

“I have also invited some of the big names in jazz circles, like Mono Mukundu, to grace this event,” Agga added. “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.”

Last year, a similar event was held in Kwekwe, where veteran journalist and researcher Munyaradzi Huni launched Nyabinde’s biography, The Headmaster With a Guitar: Bob Nyabinde, at Gulez Gardens. The biography captures the life of the legendary jazz musician, famous for timeless classics like “Chabuda Hapana,” “Pane Nyaya,” “Zvibingaidzo,” and “Samanyika.” Nyabinde was a gifted composer known for his powerful social commentary, and his influence on the industry is undeniable.

The Kwekwe event saw the attendance of fellow artists, including Mono Mukundu, Kireni Zulu, Stevie “Dhongi” Makoni, Kunonga, and even Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi’s widow, Daisy. Nicholas Moyo, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sports, Recreation, Arts, and Culture, was also present, alongside music promoter Josh Hozheri, who helped facilitate the event.

With everything set for this Saturday’s commemoration, the event at Sherwood Golf Club promises to be a lively celebration for jazz aficionados. Kunonga, a seasoned performer, will bring his extensive experience to the stage, while Katomeni-Mbofana’s remarkable vocal abilities need no introduction. Agga and Albert, continuing the legacy of their late father, have not only learned from the best but have shown resilience and determination in the face of loss.

For those who have not yet gotten a copy of Nyabinde’s biography, Agga is available to assist with inquiries. Additionally, regalia will be sold at the event to support the Nyabinde brothers’ upcoming foundation, and Hozheri, a close family friend, is expected to attend.

The celebration will culminate in a mini-jazz festival, bringing together jazz lovers and promoters who have longed for such events. With jazz being a genre that attracts a mature and appreciative audience, this gathering is a welcome opportunity to revive the local jazz scene. While the genre remains relevant, challenges such as lack of funding, venues, and promoters still need to be addressed to ensure its continued growth and success in Zimbabwe.

The upcoming event is not to be missed for anyone who values great music, the legacy of Bob Nyabinde, and the future of Zimbabwean jazz.