Bob Nyabinde

BIO

Bob Nyabide, best known as Headmaster, was a musician, songwriter and guitarist from Harare, Zimbabwe. He passed away on 23 December 2023.

Headmaster sang in his native language, Shona, as well as Ndebele and English. His music, loosely labelled as Afro-jazz, fuses township jazz with traditional Zimbabwean sounds. He was the leader of Savanna Drive band. He worked with many artists and managed to make waves every time he released new music.

Nyabinde’s first album, 'Panenyaya', made history with the famous song 'Chabuda Hapana'. The song was well-received. It earned him a ZIMA award in 2003 in the Best Afro-Jazz Artist category. He performed at HIFA 2005 and was a nominee for Best Afro-jazz Artist at the NAMA Awards between 2003 and 2005.

He toured every corner of Zimbabwe. He has been part of the annual Winter Jazz festival at Jazz 105 in Harare from 2006 to 2012. He also took part in the Pakare Paye Solo Fest from 2010 to 2013, and the Midlands Arts Festival 2013. In 2013, he released his fourth album, 'Anzwa Hama', which was well received.