Online Reporter
Trust Khosa-Zimpapers Arts, Entertainment Hub
TRIBUTES are pouring in for jazz legend Clancy Mbirimi, who passed away last Saturday in Harare after a brief illness.
He was 73 years old.
Family spokesperson Tichaona Malabuza described Mbirimi’s death as an irreplaceable loss. “We are devastated by the passing 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 informed this publication that burial arrangements are underway and hailed the musical community for mourning with them.
“We will collect the body from Nyaradz0 Funeral Parlour on Monday (today), 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 learned 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. 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,” reads Mukundu’s post.
Fellow jazz crooner Victor Kunonga expressed his sorrow. “Sad loss, vakoma. He was a great Cde,” he commented in response to Mukundu’s post.
Mbare-bred jazz musician and former Dynamos goalkeeper Laban Kandi is still coming to terms with the news. “Mr Smiler, I am still pinching myself to check if this is not a bad dream,” Kandi stated.
South Africa-based sungura musician and radio personality Mitchell Jambo also mourned Mbirimi. “Oh nhai yahwe ko watsamweiko kuenda usina kuoneka. (Why didn’t you say goodbye?) 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.”
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, Harare.
