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Mandaza Chikarangu and Lesego Valela

Arts Reporters 

United States-based legendary singer Lovemore Majivana and dub poet Albert Nyathi will usher fans into the festive season with two major birthday celebrations in December.

Dubbed “The Big Celebration”, the two icons’ celebrations begin in Bulawayo this Saturday before they come to Harare on December 10.

Lovemore Majaivana was born in Gweru on December 14 ,1952, and he turns 70 years this year.

On the other hand, Nyathi, a renowned a poet, musician, actor, writer and philanthropist, was born on November 15, 1962 and he turns 60 this year.

In a statement, show coordinator, Lenox Mhlanga said it was all systems go for the two shows.

“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,” he said in a statement. 

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

Speaking on the celebrations, Nyathi said old people had 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,” said Nyathi.

 “We plan to hold birthday celebrations in the form of a luncheon for selected elderly people in Highfields and at Ekuphumuleni Geriatric Nursing 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.” 

Majaivana said he still had 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,” he said. “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.” 

Majaivana and Nyathi are legends in the music and poetry industry and their performances are not only unique, but are timeless. 

Maijavana and Nyathi are expected to record a duet to be released later next year.