Bob Nyabinde was multi-talented
WHEN I started working in the music business a long time ago, Bob Nyabinde was well-known. He was considered one of the big names in the industry.
During those days, the music industry boasted Thomas Mapfumo, the late Dr Oliver Mtukudzi and the late Simon “Chopper” Chimbetu, among others.
Nyabinde made a lasting impact on the music industry, soccer and education throughout his 68 years of life.
He was born on March 10, 1955 in the rural Mount Jenya area, Mutare.
He was raised in the high-density suburb of Sakubva in Mutare.
After earning his teaching diploma, he joined the teaching profession at a youthful age of 19. He worked in the field for 20 years.
His first teaching deployment was at Chuma Primary School in Chitungwiza. By the time he left the teaching profession in 2008, he was a headmaster.
Multi-talented, Nyabinde held various portfolios. He started off as a football player for Mutare United. He then joined Ziscosteel Football Club in Kwekwe.
After the move, he permanently relocated to Kwekwe.
Following a serious injury, Nyabinde became a FIFA certified coach.
When he left the teaching profession, he joined the music business full-time. Below are his best-known recordings:
“Pane Nyaya” (2003), with the popular song “Chabuda Hapana”.
“Ndiratidze”, “Teerera”, “Inzwa Hama”.
In 2004, he was named the Zimbabwe Music Awards Best Jazz Artiste. He also served as a board member of the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation.
Instruments repair
In addition to being a musician, Nyabinde also earned a living by repairing musical instruments. He was fond of woodwork since he was a secondary school learner and started using these skills as a music instrument repairman.
He bought the equipment he used to repair the instruments using cash from the Culture Fund. He intended to begin producing his own instruments.
Family life
In 1982, he married Margaret Mukonde. The couple was blessed with two sons, Albert and Aggabu, both of whom are also musicians. Sadly, his wife passed away in 2007. Up until his death, Bob never remarried.
Health problems
In 2019, Nyabinde started facing health challenges.
He was having problems with his eyesight. When he went for a medical check-up in August 2020, diabetes was found to be the cause.
His left hand and left leg became paralysed due to a stroke in 2020. He got paralysed shortly after recording Covid-19 awareness jingles. As a result of the health complications, he stopped playing music.
Death
On December 23, 2023, Nyabinde passed away in Harare, and was laid to rest on December 26 in Kwekwe.
He is survived by his sons and five grandchildren.