By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
Afro-jazz musician Bob Nyabinde who is recovering from a stroke recently had a whale of a time after a group of artists visited him at his home and jammed a couple songs.
Nyabinde who is more popularly known as the Headmaster on stage suffered a stroke in July this year.
According to guitarist and producer Mono Mukundu who was part of the group of artists, Nyabinde who is also battling diabetes was happy to meet fellow musicians.
In a post via his Facebook page, Mukundu told of how music enlightened Nyabinde’s spirits.
“Yesterday (Monday) Dereck Mpofu , Nyathi Albert ,Paraclet , Vusa Moyo & me decided to visit Bob Nyabinde. The headmaster is on his way to recovery from a stroke he suffered in July.
“The other highlight of the visit was the food prepared ne murora, especially fish! . . . iwe!
“He told us that by spending time with him,& playing music with him we had given him the best therapy,” he wrote.
Despite battling diabetes and stroke, Nyabinde is determined to continue with his passion which he has also passed to his son.
Known for churning out hits such as Pane Nyaya and Chabuda Hapana Jazz musician Nyabinde has not lost hope of using his knowledge of guitar-strumming skills to pass it on to younger generation.
“I suffered a stroke in July this year and since then my left side has not been functional. I have been doing physiotherapy since then and it is improving since I can walk on my own. For now, I cannot do anything but once I get better and once my left hand gains strength will continue fixing guitars,” he once told the press.
“I am so happy I managed to pass down my skills to the boys. I am confident they do not just do it but they do it to satisfaction. I hope one day they will do it better than me and I urge parents to pass down be it entrepreneurship, agriculture or any other skills to the future generation so that businesses do not crumble after their death.”
The 65-year-old crooner, who rose to fame in 2002 after the release of his hit song Chabuda Hapana, has not allowed his current condition to kill the artistry in him.
Although struggling with his eyesight, he is perfectly in touch with his singing and guitar strumming skills.
Nyabinde admits that renowned music producer Bothwell Nyamhondera, late musicians, Dr Oliver Mtukudzi and James Chimombe took him to the studio to observe whilst they were recording and giving him the exposure to a recording studio.
Nyabinde resigned from the teaching profession in 2007 to become a full-time musician.
His achievements include being named Afro Jazz artist of the year in 2003 at the Zimbabwe Music Awards and being nominated for the best Afro Jazz artist at NAMA from 2003 to 2005.
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