As Valentine’s Day approaches, love is often described through flowers, chocolates, and candle lit dinners. But for celebrated saxophonist Sir Albert Nyabinde, love is first heard, not seen. It lives in breath, tone, phrasing, and feeling. To him, romance is not just spoken. It is played.

In an interview, Nyabinde described the saxophone as one of the most emotionally direct instruments, capable of translating the deepest human feelings into sound.

“The sax is an emotional voicing instrument that has the ability to express one’s feelings. From sad emotion to joyful celebrations, setting up the mood and atmosphere suitable for a specific need. Expressing love and romance using the sax is irresistible when the execution is on point.”

Unlike instruments that rely heavily on mechanical precision, the saxophone is powered by breath, making every note feel personal and alive. According to Nyabinde, that is why it connects so naturally with themes of romance.

He explains that love itself is not a single emotion, and music must reflect its many shades.

“Love has different colours, so the same applies when musically expressing love songs on the sax. The emotion and weight attached to the song determine the notes, tone, and expression to play on the sax. Heartbreak songs are heavy to play because the energy transfer from the instrument to the audience has a deep emotional reach, which is in contrast with first love songs, which are joyful and upbeat.”

Performance, he says, is never just about the notes. It is shaped by the environment and the emotional exchange between performer and audience, especially on Valentine’s Day.

“The reality of the emotions and venue ambiance can not be separated. Playing a love song is activated by the connection we have with the audience, especially when there is a beautiful setup. Love is in the air, so let us share the feeling. When playing other styles, it is mainly the connection between the band and the energy that is mutually inductive to the room. Music is a deep emotional communication that is not confined to one genre.”

Years of performing for couples have also turned Nyabinde into a careful observer of how people express affection without words. He says audience reactions often reveal more than spoken praise.

“We have three broad categories which are the composed calm and collected, the jovial and the shy ones. Whenever a song hits the right spot, there is a nonverbal cue that the couple will give. Usually, the gesture is involuntary, and the band loves that kind of feedback. It is either a subconscious shrug, a foot tapping to the song, head nodding for approval, or simply a smile to show that this is my jam. However, the best response is to get up and dance to your favorite song with your better half.”

For Nyabinde, performing love songs has not only entertained audiences but also shaped his own belief in love itself.

“We learn every day, and yes, playing love songs has shown me that true love truly exists, and it is evident when you see couples freely express their love unapologetically.”

While music provides the emotional soundtrack of Valentine’s Day, the economic rhythm of the day is felt strongly by small business owners across the city.

In an interview with Zim Now, a vendor  Munashe at Simon Muzenda Bus Terminal said Valentine’s Day is a jackpot on his business side because people buy chocolates, quoted biscuits, sweets and other candies for their loved ones.

“Valentine’s Day is actually a jackpot on my business side because people will be buying chocolates, quoted biscuits, sweets, and other candies for their loved ones. My targeted customers are school children, young couples, and couples who are trying to make things work. Love knows no boundaries. It is for everyone, the rich, the middle, and the poor. Last year I made a lot of profit just from candies which cost less than five dollars.”

Flower sellers are equally optimistic. Charles Zulu, who sells flowers at Africa Unity Square, said the day is the most important on his calendar.

“I am expecting a huge profit on Valentine’s Day because every year that is the day we make big sales. I am already receiving bookings from different flower boutiques for Valentine’s Day. I have flowers for every budget so that everyone can enjoy and express love to their loved ones.”

From the cry of a saxophone to the rustle of flower wraps and the sweetness of shared candy, Valentine’s Day speaks many languages. As Nyabinde suggests, when emotion is genuine, it rarely needs words, only a melody, a gesture, and someone willing to listen.