In this article, you will learn about the biography of renowned Zimbabwean musician Bob Nyabinde. Bob Nyabinde was born on 10 March 1955 and died 23 December 2023). He was a Zimbabwean Afro-Jazz musician, well known for his 2002 debut album “Pane Nyaya,” featuring the hits “Chabuda Hapana” and “Mombe Yasamanyika.”
Nyabinde, also popularly known as “The Headmaster,” initially pursued a career in the educational sector, working as a teacher and eventually becoming a headmaster at several primary schools before transitioning to a full-time music career. Although he is late, his band “Savannah” still stands.
Bob Nyabinde Profile
Full Name | Bob Nyabinde |
---|---|
Date of Birth | March 10, 1955 |
Place of Birth | Mutare, Zimbabwe |
Nationality | Zimbabwe |
Religion | Christian |
Height | Not Available |
Weight | Not Available |
Spouse | Not Available |
Zodiac Sign | Pisces |
Net Worth | $100,000 |
Early Life & Educational Background
Bob Nyabinde was born on 10 March 1955 in Mutare, Zimbabwe. After completing his university education, he received his teaching training at Mutare Teachers College. However, aside being a teacher, Bob had a thing for music, he harbored a passion for it and often played as a solo guitarist for pupils and at various functions.
Rising through the education ranks, Nyabinde was promoted to deputy headmaster in the school he taught and eventually ended up as a school head at a young age. During this period, he performed as a solo guitarist at school events and several local venues which gave him little attention.
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.”
Surprisingly, 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 garnered positive acclaimes.
Meanwhile, following his debut album success, Bob established the Savanna Drive Band, a group of three members, performing regularly in Kwekwe and participating in notable events like the Harare International Festival of the Arts and the Harare Winter Jazz Festival.
Here is an overview of Bob Nyabinde’s discography (albums)
- “Pane Nyaya” (2002)
- “Ndiratidze Mumwe Chete” (2004)
- “Teerera” (2006)
- “Anzwa Hama” (2013)
Personal Life
In July 2021, Nyabinde suffered a stroke, which terribly affected his left side. Despite facing health challenges and being diabetic, he underwent physiotherapy and showed improvement by November 2021.
Fortunately, a fundraising concert was organized by fellow musicians to support Nyabinde’s medical expenses. He proved to be hail and hearty until December 23, 2023 when he passed away due to diabetes complications. It is said that the music icon battled with the illness for many years before succumbing to the killer.
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Awards
Bob Nyabinde’s outstanding skills and music talent has earned him several recognition, accolades and awards throughout his music career and they include: The Midlands Province Blood Ambassador which he bagged in 2013.
He was a nominee for the NAMA (National Arts Merit Awards) Nominee for Best Afro Jazz between 2003 to 2005. Lastly, he won the 2003 ZIMA Zimbabwe Music Awards (Best Afro Jazz Artist). Even up till this day, he is considered one of the pioneers of Zimbabwe’s Afro Jazz music.
Death
Unfortunately, Bob Nyabinde passed away on December 23, 2023. He died of diabetes complications following a collapse in October, which resulted in a hip injury, Nyabinde was admitted to a medical facility in Harare.
There have been so many speculations concerning the circumstances surrounding his death as it still remains unclear. However, his demise was no doubt a shocker to the people of Zimbabwe specifically to his fans in the country and beyond.
Worst still, his death occurred shortly after the death of another renowned Zimbabwean musician named Eric Moyo. Both are music legends and have left an indelible mark in the Zimbabwean music industry.
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Family
During the time he was alive, he managed to keep his family details away from the public eyes. However, his sudden death has sparked a whole lot of curiosity amongst fans to know who he has left behind.
Fortunately, Bob Nyabinde is survived by his sons, Albert and Agga Nyabinde, and a granddaughter named Chikomborero, the daughter of Agga and his wife Vanessa. While he was alive, he lost his beautiful wife when she succumbed to cancer in 2007.
Net Worth
At the moment, we can’t really tell how much Bob Nyabinde is worth as he never shared details of his finances while he was still alive. However, some sources claim that he should be worth around $100,000.
At the time when he was alive, Bob built his fortune from his career as a musician attending shows, meetings, parties etc. There he gt paid for his performance. More so, it is likely that he signed a couple of endorsement deals while he was alive which immensely contributed to this figure.
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