SEASONED artistes Albert Nyathi and United States-based Lovemore “Majaivana” Tshuma are set to bring smiles to the elderly in Highfields, Harare and Luveve, Bulawayo as part of their birthday celebrations.
Dubbed “The Big Celebration, the ceremonies have been set for December 3 and December 10 with Nyathi expected to entertain the aged, while Majaivana who is not able to fly to Zimbabwe for the celebrations will be represented by his locally-based family members.
Majaivana was born on December 14, 1952, in Gweru and this year he turns 70 years, while his famous uncle Nyathi was born on November 15, 1962 and turns 60, milestones worth celebrating.
Coincidentally, Majaivana’s birthday is the date, on December 14, 1990, the United Nations General Assembly designated October 1 as the International Day of Older Persons.
Speaking ahead of the celebrations, Nyathi said old people have neither resources nor do they wield any power to earn or guarantee them the love and respect of society as well as 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,” Nyathi noted.
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“We envisage a different celebration that will involve the elder members of the community to highlight their condition, mainly in the urban setting. The birthday celebrations will be in the form of a luncheon for the selected elderly in Highfields and Luveve.”
At the event, Nyathi notes that the elderly will receive goodies donated by their partners and well-wishers.
“Our intention is to celebrate the elderly, identify their challenges and drum up support for their needs,” he said.
“We want to leave a lasting impression with the like-minded organisations, Rotarians and Friends of Ekuphumuleni as well as partners in the corporate sector. We will push for the needs of the elderly, not just those under care, but also those aging gracefully in their homes in the community. It’s the least we can do for them, and they deserve it.”
Majaivana said he still has many fond memories of his home country.
“Some of my deepest thoughts as I turn 70 are with the elderly citizens of my country, those who 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 noted.
Majaivana and Nyathi, who are legends of their time, are also set to record a duet to be released later next year.
Meanwhile, in celebrating the lives of the elderly, there will also be events planned by HelpAge Zimbabwe in Rushinga and Kafusi, Gwanda district, which is Nyathi’s birthplace.