By Alfred Tembo
PRESIDENT Emmerson Mangangwa’s administration has granted extensive and unwavering support to the successful hosting of Bob Nyabinde 67th birthday earmarked for Golden Mile Motel (Kwekwe) on 12 March.
Popularly known as the “Headmaster” Bob Nyabinde was forced into a retirement after succumbing to blindnes due to his diabetic condition.
Speaking to Standard Style in Gweru on Friday, Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation officer for Midlands province Reward Shockson said the government will do everything possible to assist Nyabinde in line with available policies.
“This is a themed event that has since earned it’s self a national status owing it to the unity of Zimbabwean artistes who felt the need to collaborate in this manner,” Shockson said.
“And as a government ministry responsible for the creative sector, we are committed to recognising and meaningfully supporting artistes during their lifetime.
“Moreover, we now have National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), which carries non-selective provisions that hopes to ensure national development without leaving anyone behind with the view of developing Zimbabwe in a middle-icoming earning state by year 2030.”
The hosting of the Nyabinde birthday bash concides with plans by the Arts ministry to support legends and or families of such personalities at least two per district across the Midlands province.
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“We are planning to support our artistes and hopefully families left by legends so that we help them maintain their diginity and honour a privilege they deserve as returns for the hard-working of our musicians,” said Shockson.
“At provincial level we hope to support not less than 20 legends at the rate of two per district depending on the need and availability of resources.
“All this is being done in the Presidential matra of having everyone to benefit which has been made into a characteristic and routen of the second republic.”
Midlands province is home to several deserving legends and families left behind by topbilling celebrities among them are visual artist Forbes Mushipe, former Super Sounds guitarist Alex Sekela, Joseph “Man Soul Jah” Nhara, Robson Kaitano and families left by the late Paul Matavire, Tongai Moyo and Leonard Dembo.
Running under the theme, Bob Nyabinde at 67 celebrating the life of an icon, Nyabinde’s birthday was organised by the Arts ministry in collaboration with National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) and artistes themselves.
The event is expecting to be graced the Zig Zag Band, Victor Kunonga, Bantuman I, Terry and the Bliss, Aggaby Nyabinde, Selmor Mtukudzi and several other upcoming artistes from across the country.
NACZ provincial arts manager Farai Kupfavira said all has been put in place to ensure that the event meets everyone’s expectations.
“We engaged several stakeholders to support the event and make it a reality,” Kupfavira said.
“On our part as organisers we did everything needed and expected of us as a regulator.
“This is the spirit of ensuring that the event in conducted within set standards.”
Kwekwe-based musician and promoter Tawanda “Bantuman I” Jumo said: “Bob Nyabinde is national throphy worthy the honor granted to him.”
