Albert Nyathi, Imbongi, musician and playwright, and iconic musician Lovemore Majaivana, will celebrate their birthdays by shining the spotlight on the elderly in the community. Dubbed ‘The Big Celebration,’ the events will held in Harare and Bulawayo on the 3rd and 10th of December, 2022, respectively.

Singer-songwriter Lovemore Majaivana was born in Gweru, on 14 December, 1952, and turns 70 years of age. His famous uncle, Albert Nyathi, a poet, musician, actor, writer and philanthropist, was born on 15 November, 1962 and turns 60, milestones worth celebrating.

What most people are unaware of is that the two artists are related. Majaivana’s mother is MaNyathi and there that making him Albert’s nephew, ‘umalume lomzukulu’ in isiNdebele.

The date of Lovemore Majaivana’s birthday holds special significance in that was on 14 December 1990, that the United Nations General Assembly designated October 1 the International Day of Older Persons.

Speaking on the celebrations, Nyathi says that old people have neither resources nor do they wield any power to earn or guarantee them the love and respect of society and those around them.

“Even though all religious persuasions underline love and respect for the elderly, the hustle and bustle of modern day society has virtually eliminated the role of the elderly to the periphery of both mainstream economy and faith,”

says Nyathi

We envisage a different celebration that will involve the elder members of the community to highlight their condition, mainly in the urban setting.

“We plan to hold birthday celebrations in the form of a luncheon for selected elderly people in Highfields and at Ekuphumuleni Geriatric Nusreing home in Mzilikazi where we will entertain and provide them with goodies donated by partners and well-wishers. Our intention is to celebrate the elderly, identify their challenges and drum up support for their needs,” Nyathi says.

Speaking about the celebrations, United States-based Lovemore Majaivana still has many fond memories of home.

“Some of my deepest thoughts as I turn 70 are with the elderly citizens of my country, those that can no longer get into the clubs, travel to Emagumeni, to the gigs and lively spaces of life. I ask myself, if it is possible, in whatever small way, to remember and honour them. To put that rare smile on their faces just for a day,” he says.

Lovemore Majaivana

He says that if such a day were to be on his birthday, he would feel great and well celebrated even from that far. Majaivana personally can not make it for the celebrations, but locally based family members will represent him .

Lovemore ‘Majaivana’ Tshuma and Albert Nyathi are legends in their lifetime and their performances are not only unique, they are timeless. To top it up, people will be witness to a ‘temporary return’ from retirement of Maijavana who will record a duet with Albert Nyathi to be released later next year.