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Farai Andre Musa Hove Masaisai doesn’t only have a unique name, he has a unique heritage. This attorney of Zimbabwean and Trinidadian lineage, really wanted to be a DJ but his mother had other plans. Now, with a thriving legal practice, he is tap dancing on his way to court and  doing his best to provide access to justice for all.

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My name is Farai Andre Musa Hove Masaisai.  My father, Bekinkosi Hove Masaisai is from Zimbabwe and my mother, June Thomas, is from Trinidad & Tobago. They met while studying at The UWI, Cave Hill, Barbados and were together for a number of years before separating. I had what I would consider a really nice childhood. Zimbabwe was my home in my infant years and then Belmont, Trinidad up until the age of 25. As a child, I always wanted to become a DJ and even formed a crew called Perfect Element Sound System. We even had silver dog tags (when that was “the IN thing”) engraved with our logos. I was really passionate about this.

“Happy like Papi”

At 18 years old, I started working at Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago and was “happy like papi” because I was living my teenage dream. I was working during the week for the largest telecommunications provider in the country and DJ’ing on weekends with Perfect Element. However, my mother had a very different plan for my life. She told me that she was sending me to England to study law. I knew that I had to do Law but I always felt that it was something I would pursue later in life: maybe in my thirties, but certainly not in my teens. Nevertheless, when I was 19 years old, in 2004, I was on a plane headed to London to begin reading for a law degree at Holborn College. I then went to the College of Law Bloomsbury Campus where I did my Post Graduate Diploma in Law (LPC) and later, to Nottingham Law School where I did a Master’s degree in Sports Law.

My Jamaican Coco Dove

While studying, I formed The Caribbean All Stars Steel Band. In fact, I actually mastered the tenor pan while living in London. The steel pan was my main source of income as I would busk on the streets as well as do gigs through an agent. My life in London was punctuated by studies and playing pan. I really enjoyed those five years. I actually met my dream girl in my final year of my undergraduate law degree. She was and still is my “Jamaican Coco Dove” and we have been together since 2007. That was certainly one of the highs of the London experience as we got married in 2010.

My mother is my hero

My mother really birthed my vision for Law. She had studied Law in Barbados but was unable to practise. She made my brother in her final year and I came soon after. She always told us that her children required a mother and not a lawyer and that was her choice. Today, three of her children are practicing Attorneys, one is a Medical Doctor and the last is in law school. So yes, my mother is my hero and is still a key figure in my life. For my Court of Appeal and Privy Council Bundles, she would call early on a Monday morning (around 5 am) and say “what matters you have this week? Let me pray over them.”  She always prays for victory and wisdom. I love and cherish her dearly.

“Your spirit should guide you to your mentor”

In addition to the heroism of my mother, I was mentored by Bishop Claude Berkley, who has been a father figure to me since I was about ten years old and Mr Elton Prescott, SC, who has been my primary guide on ethics and the practice of law. Yes, there are other attorneys who have played a crucial role in my development but I can safely say that my encounter with this Senior Counsel, has propelled me to another level professionally. I am certainly grateful for every interaction, encounter and bit of guidance that he has provided.

I have heard people say that there aren’t many good mentors but I assess the situation differently. In fact, I believe that good mentors exist but most times they are very busy people so it is up to the mentee to be humble and find a way to receive that mentorship. My relationship with Bishop Berkley started when he was a Canon and I was an altar server at All Saints Church. I was always willing and happy to serve and listen to his words of guidance. He has been the most genuine male figure in my life for the past 25 years. My interactions with Elton Prescott SC have always been at his grace and convenience. I would clear my calendar to suit his timetable vs expecting him to always be available to me. I view Mr Prescott as the best in our jurisdiction and I am humbled to be allowed to learn from him.

I am also of the firm belief that mentorship should not be forced. It should come naturally and I always say that your spirit should take to your mentor.  It is a journey and not simply an encounter and I will like to think that in some way, my mentors learn from me also.

I cannot highlight motivation and guidance without turning the beam on my darling wife, who has been my biggest supporter. In addition to being the Managing Partner of Hove & Associates and a professional in her own right, she is really a super woman. I have been blessed to be surrounded by strong, intelligent women throughout my life. Did I mention I also have two sisters? Yes, the women in my life give me strength.

“I never give up especially if my spirit says it is right”

God has been the solid rock throughout my journey. I recall a conversation with some of my peers back in 2008 when I first started to conceptualise Hove & Associates Attorneys-at-Law. I said Hove and Associates will be the best team of attorneys in Trinidad and Tobago. I genuinely believe we are great and are presently one of the best law firms. We have branded our building Hove’s Court, a Centre for Excellence and we aim to live up to our brand.

The nature of advocacy is that you can have highs and lows in the same day. I recall doing one of my first High Court trials against a very senior Attorney, Mr. Keith Scotland. I lost the matter, which concerned property. My client was an elderly lady. I could not sleep for days probably weeks after. One of my mentors guided me through the Appeal Court Process and some four years later, we won the appeal and the old lady got back her property. This is typical in adversarial litigation, I have won many cases and lost others as well but I never give up especially if my spirit says it is right.  This is why, I have no regrets in my profession. I tap dance on my way to court, even if it may be virtual court.

“Access to Justice for All”

As an attorney, I believe that everyone should be treated fairly. This is my personal credo and I have gained a reputation for defending the less fortunate in our society. I also have a very heavy pro-bono list and I see myself as a voice for the voice less. I represent persons that may not be able to afford an attorney because I believe in access to justice for all. In order to provide equitable access to justice, it is important that good attorneys are not only accessible to those with deep pockets.

To that young man who is confused and unsure about his future, I would say to pray about it. Ask God to guide you. Remember that Rome was not built in a day and everything is a process. Not because people look successful now, means that they were always successful. It takes a lot of hard work to become successful and even more difficult to stay successful. Success is a pattern of behaviour done consistently over many years. Enjoy the process.

And as you become successful, always remember to build a team. You go further and faster with a good team around you. A positive team. Flee from the crab in the barrel mind set and think and speak positively always. As you grow, remember to always pour onto others as in giving you receive. Be thankful while on this journey called life and keep God first.

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Farai is a former student of Trinity Junior School and Trinity College Moka. He is a Senior Partner at Hove & Associates, the current Registrar of Friendly and Building Societies and the recently elected President of the Heliconia Foundation for Young Professionals.