Bob Nyabinde Biography | Death, Background, Wife, Children, Albums, Awards, Qualifications, Music Career, Career as a Teacher
This is the biography of Bob Nyabinde (10 March 1955 – 23 Deptember 2023), who was a Zimbabwean Afro-Jazz musician, renowned for his 2002 debut album “Pane Nyaya,” featuring the hits “Chabuda Hapana” and “Mombe Yasamanyika.” Nyabinde, also known as “The Headmaster,” initially pursued a career in education, working as a teacher and eventually becoming a headmaster at several primary schools before transitioning to a full-time music career. He led the Savanna Band.
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Background and Education
Born in Mutare, Zimbabwe, Nyabinde received education training at Mutare Teacher’s College. Despite his teaching career, he harboured a passion for music, often playing as a solo guitarist for pupils and at various functions.
Rising through the education ranks, Nyabinde was promoted to deputy headmaster and eventually became a school head at a young age. During this period, he performed as a solo guitarist at school events and local venues.
Health Challenges
In July 2021, Nyabinde suffered a stroke, affecting his left side. Despite facing health challenges and being diabetic, he underwent physiotherapy and showed improvement by November 2021.
A fundraising concert was organized by fellow musicians to support Nyabinde’s medical expenses.
Music Career
While serving as a primary school head at R.J Davies Primary School, Nyabinde recorded and released his debut album “Pane Nyaya,” featuring his students in the video for the hit song “Chabuda Hapana.” The album dominated sales for consecutive years (2002-2004) and cemented his status as a music icon in Zimbabwe, earning him a ZIMA Award for Best Afro-Jazz Artist in 2003. His music typically tackled social themes.
Following his solo career, Nyabinde formed the Savanna Drive Band, initially a trio, performing regularly in Kwekwe and participating in notable events like the Harare International Festival of the Arts and the Harare Winter Jazz Festival.
Albums
- “Pane Nyaya” (2002)
- “Ndiratidze Mumwe Chete” (2004)
- “Teerera” (2006)
- “Anzwa Hama” (2013)
Awards
- Midlands Province Blood Ambassador (2013)
- NAMA (National Arts Merit Awards) Nominee for Best Afro Jazz (2003-2005)
- ZIMA (Zimbabwe Music Awards) Best Afro Jazz Artist (2003)
Death
Bob Nyabinde passed away on 23 Deptember 2023, succumbing to the complications of diabetes. Following a collapse in October, which resulted in a hip injury, Nyabinde was admitted to a medical facility in Harare. The circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear. His demise occurred shortly after the death of another Zimbabwean musician, Eric Moyo.
Children
Nyabinde is survived by his sons, Albert and Agga Nyabinde, and a granddaughter named Chikomborero, the daughter of Agga and his wife Vanessa.
Wife
Bob Nyabinde became a widower when his wife succumbed to cancer in 2007.
