AN appreciation musical gala honouring living legend Bothwell Nyamhondera is slated for Saturday at the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC).
Running under the banner “Bothwell Nyamhondera Honour and Appreciation Event,” it will showcase some of Zimbabwe’s most celebrated artistes who have benefited from his mentorship.
Among those headlining the event are Alick Macheso and Pastor Charles Charamba, both of whom have made significant contributions to the music scene.
Performances will also feature other household names such as Madzibaba Nicholas Zakaria, Amai Olivia Charamba, Amai Respina Patai, Somandla Ndebele, Baba Machanic Manyeruke and US-based ethnomusicology teacher King Isaac.
Fellow musician, producer and multimedia specialist Pastor Herman Chimosoro is coordinating the event, which starts around mid-morning and ends at 6pm.
In an interview with Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub, Chimosoro said Nyamhondera was a living legend who has produced several artistes whose music remains as wonderful as ever.
“When we talk of living legends in music, people like Bothwell Nyamhondera are the ones who deserve special honour as they deserve their flowers now.
“He has produced some of the songs that we still play in our cars, at church gatherings and even in public. The sad reality is that we have never honoured the man behind those hits, and in this case, it is Nyamhondera who deserves special honours for his great work,” he stressed.
“I came up with this idea after realising that his work and contribution to the music industry deserved to be documented.
“I have been compiling his documents for the past 23 years, and now is the right time for us as players in the industry to ensure that he gets the attention he deserves as a living legend.”
Chimosoro, who has finalised logistics with all the artistes in the line-up, revealed that Nyamhondera was blown away by the concept.
“Nyamhondera is one of the geniuses of musical production with an ear for good music, yet he remains as humble as ever.
“He will not turn heads when he takes a stroll on the streets, but his contributions to the sector mean a lot, especially to those he produced.”
He recalled, “The late Tuku (Oliver Mtukudzi) challenged us as musicians to come up with a day when Nyamhondera should come and watch proceedings without even mixing or producing the event.” Chimosoro noted that while Tuku was around when the idea was conceived, he would be there in spirit.
“The sad part about Tuku’s passing was that he died before such an event could be held in honour of Nyamhondera.
“I once spoke to US-based Chimurenga legend Thomas Mapfumo, who seconded this idea as a noble one that deserves special honour. With that in mind, we have to come up with this event to ensure that we honour our legend, who helped several musicians and gave them hope when they were about to give up due to tough requirements to record back in the day,” he said.
Chimosoro added, “We also hope that the show proceeds will go a long way in meeting Nyamhondera’s medical expenses, food and that he deserves decent accommodation.
“Nyamhondera is also one of the people whose welfare should be catered for since he has a family to look after.
“It is the same Nyamhondera who made many sacrifices for artistes like Macheso, Charles Charamba and Baba Manyeruke to be granted permission to record when it was not easy to do so.”
In another interview, Nyamhondera, widely considered the “Messiah” in the history of Zimbabwean music, expressed his gratitude for Chimosoro and his team’s gesture.
“I am humbled by this noble gesture because I am also going to be remembered on this day. It has been a tough journey full of thorns, and I am glad that I will be remembered.”
Reflecting on the changing times in music production, Nyamhondera noted the impact technology has had on music production.
“There are major changes that have taken place in the music sector, and there are some things we have control over and some we do not.
“Nowadays, music production has been made simpler, but quality is what matters in the end. I have noted that money talks nowadays, as several producers no longer consider many things like talent. You just pay your money, and everything is created for you in terms of beats and such,” he explained.
Nyamhondera, who has produced several hits over the years, was reportedly unwell last year and was assisted by Charamba and Chimosoro after suffering a mild stroke.
A true fighter, Nyamhondera is still engaged in music production, known for his patience and ear for good music.
Besides his experience and talent, his quest is to empower the emerging crop of music producers as part of his retirement package.
Meanwhile, tickets for the show are priced at US$15 for standard and US$30 for VIP.
As such, the “Bothwell Nyamhondera Honour and Appreciation Event” is not just a celebration of his contributions to Zimbabwean music but also a heartfelt acknowledgment of the hard work and sacrifices he has made for countless artistes.
It serves as a reminder of the importance of honouring our legends while they are still with us, ensuring their legacy continues to inspire future generations. –The Herald