Online Reporter
Trust Khosa-Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
GLOWING tributes are pouring in for jazz legend, Clancy Mbirimi, who died on Saturday in Harare after a brief illness.
He was 73.
Family spokesperson, Tichaona Malabuza, described Mbirimi’s death as an irreplaceable loss
“We are devastated by the passing on of my uncle, Clancy Mbirimi, who was a loving and caring father. He was a jovial person who loved everyone equally and was also a dedicated music teacher.
“We are saddened by this loss and leave everything to God, our comforter,” he said.
Malabuza said burial arrangements were underway and hailed the musical community for mourning with them.
“We will collect the body from Nyaradzo Funeral Parlour on Monday and it will lie in state in Mbare. A funeral service will be held around midday in preparation for his burial.
“On Tuesday, we will lay him to rest at Zororo Memorial Park, along Seke Road,” he said.
Fellow musicians, led by veteran producer Clive “Mono” Mukundu, who announced the news on social media, described Mbirimi as a legend.
“I have just learnt that bassist Clancy Mbirimi passed away today. This is another devastating blow to Zimbabwe’s music industry.
“Clancy was one of Zimbabwe’s longest-serving musicians, having been a member of many iconic bands, including The Harare Mambos Band. He also worked as a music producer with various record labels,” Mukundu shared on his Facebook page.
“In my book ‘Following The Melody’, I mention him on page 145 as the first person to recognise my production abilities, encouraging Elias Musakwa to hire me as a producer. “I collaborated with him on several projects and, in 1999, we were both part of The Revival Ministries Praise and Worship Team. His death represents yet another loss of invaluable knowledge.”
Fellow jazz crooner, Victor Kunonga, said:
“Sad loss, vakoma. He was a great Cde.”
Jazz musician and former Dynamos goalkeeper Laban Kandi is still trying to come to terms with Mbirimi’s death.
“Mr. Smiler, I am still pinching myself to check if this is not a bad dream,” Kandi said.
South Africa-based sungura musician and radio personality, Mitchell Jambo, said:
“Oh nhayi yahwe ko watsamweiko kuenda usina kuoneka? He was my producer and my bassist on the track ‘Kumusha’ with Prince Tendai on backing vocals. May his soul rest in peace; you will be missed.”
Music teacher and jazz crooner, Filbert Marova, said:
“Devastated! MHSRIP.”
Gospel musician, Misheck Mahendere, expressed his condolences on social media:
“Our heartfelt condolences. Rest in peace, Sir Clancy. The Zimbabwe Music Rights Association also extended its condolences to the Mbirimi family.
“ZIMURA extends its heartfelt condolences to the Mbirimi family and friends following the passing of Clancy Mbirimi on June 28, 2025. May you rest in peace, Clancy. Zorora murugare. Lala ngokuthula.”
Mbirimi was a member of the Mbare Trio Jazz Band, which was led by his late brother, Friday Mbirimi.
He played with notable artists such as Dave Ndoro, the late James Chimombe and Tony Gumbo. He will be best remembered for his compositions, including “Rufaro MuZimbabwe” and “Buhera,” featuring The Harare Mambos.
Mbirimi is survived by his widow Maria Jackson and five children — one boy and four girls. Mourners are gathered at No. 4, Mlambo Road, in Mbare.
