Remembering Nigel John Wyngard: FaB Ovation Founder and Afro-Fusion Visionary

The Late Nigel John Wyngard

Reporter - Imbuwa Mubiana Nigel John Wyngard, the beloved founder of Ovation—the Afro-fusion band that grew into the popular Zimbabwean group FaB Ovation—passed away peacefully on June 23, 2025, a day that poignantly coincided with what would have been his wedding anniversary with his late wife. This deeply symbolic timing added a heartfelt layer to an already emotional moment, capturing a love story that clearly transcends this lifetime.

Born on October 28, 1949, Nigel was not only a pioneering musician but also a devoted family man. A gifted guitarist and composer, he founded Ovation in Bulawayo in 2011. His mission was to create a band that fused Zimbabwean traditional music with ethnic and Western influences. This passion laid the groundwork for the signature sound of FaB Ovation, a sound that would evolve into one of Zimbabwe’s most celebrated contributions to the Afro-fusion genre.

A Legacy Carried Forward

FaB Ovation, now led by his son Brennan Wyngard and daughter-in-law Faith Wyngard, continues to build on Nigel’s legacy. Known for their soulful love songs and energetic dance tunes, the band has performed at major regional festivals including HIFA, the Tumaini Festival and Tisangare Festival in Malawi, and the Miombo Magic Festival 2022.

In 2019, FaB Ovation was the opening act for international singer Rob Burrell at the ZimStock Goes Carnival Music Festival, a career highlight that demonstrated the band’s growing prominence. Their music is distinguished by a rich instrumental mix featuring saxophone, marimba, trumpet, and guitars—an auditory tapestry woven directly from Nigel's vision for Afro-fusion that is inclusive, vibrant, and deeply rooted in culture.

A Life Celebrated in Spirit and Song

To honor his life, a Requiem Mass will be held on Friday, July 4, 2025, at 10:00 AM at St Elizabeth's Anglican Church in Belvedere, Clarendon Crescent. The Wyngard family has invited friends, fans, and the public to join them in celebrating a man whose influence stretched far beyond music.

His passing on the day of his wedding anniversary has struck a deeply emotional chord, symbolizing the enduring love and spiritual connection between Nigel and his late wife. The family expressed deep gratitude for the outpouring of condolences, emphasizing Nigel’s role not only as a musician and founder, but as a father, mentor, and cultural anchor.

An Enduring Influence on Zimbabwean Music

Nigel John Wyngard’s life was a testament to the power of music to build bridges—across cultures, across generations, and across emotional landscapes. His vision for Ovation, and later FaB Ovation, created a space where traditional Zimbabwean rhythms could meet global influences to produce something truly unique.

As the Zimbabwean music community and his loved ones mourn his loss, they also celebrate the profound legacy he leaves behind. Through FaB Ovation, his music will continue to inspire, uplift, and unify, ensuring that the Wyngard name remains forever etched in the heart of Zimbabwean cultural heritage.