By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
The township jazz fraternity has been plunged into mourning following the death of legendary — Friday Mbirimi — who died of cancer related illness on Tuesday.
A source told Gem Nation News that Mbirimi had been battling cancer for long.
In a statement, National Arts Council of Zimbabwe director Nicholas Moyo said the fraternity learnt with sadness news of the death of veteran musician Friday Mbirimi who was part of the legendary Afro Jazz group the Mbare Trio.
“NACZ would like to pass its deepest condolences to the Mbirimi family and the entire music fraternity following the sad loss of the seasoned educationist, songwriter, singer and bandleader.
“The death of Friday has robbed the nation of a well-loved musician who entertained the country for decades and performed alongside hundreds of local and international musicians. His wisdom and wise counsel will be missed by the scores of musicians who had an opportunity to work with him and jazz lovers who enjoyed his performances,” he said.
A social media music critic Marshall Shonhai wrote: “Sad to hear of the passing on of yet another legend, the great Friday Mbirimi. He was once part of the legendary Harare Mambos back in the day and later with the Mbare Trio. The local music fraternity is poorer today.”
Veteran radio personality and jazz aficionado Comfort Mbofana reacted: “I would sometimes drive Friday Mbirimi home from jazz clubs or festivals. As he jumped out on arrival at his Prospect home, I would shout ‘see you later, Sunday!’. He would perfunctorily laugh at this not-so-ingenious joke.
He once came early one (Sunday) morning to collect some of my late dad’s old vinyl albums. He refused the breakfast I made saying he hadn’t come to be poisoned.
As he left he turned to me and said ‘Sunday will see you later’.
He was great friends with Oliver Mtukudzi and one night at Jazz 105 (he had just gotten off the stage with his band Mbare Trio)heard them joking with one another behind me about what day of the week it was. It was a Sunday.
We have lost another one. RIP”
Music producer Mono Mukundu said: “R.I.P FRIDAY MBIRIMI:
Just 2days ago Hope Masike called me & said “Your friend Friday Mbirimi is not feeling well, go &see him’, I was planning to visit him on Friday after my exams,& before I did I have just got the news that he has passed on.This is a very bad period for sure.
Friday Mbirimi was one of the popular township Jazz group, the Mbare Trio. Despite our age gap we ended up being very close friends & we
Friday Mbirimi was one of the popular township Jazz group, the Mbare Trio. Despite our age gap we ended up being very close friends & we would exchange comical friendly insults on Facebook together with Master Pablo Nakappa , Tomson Chauke, Tendai Manatsa & others, some even thought the insults were real.
Of course all musicians are natural comics but mdara Friday was the funniest musician ever,& aidenha rough,we will miss all those moments. I will look for one final insult kana shungu dzatidererei”
Keyboardist Filbert Marowa said: “But why mukoma Friday Mbirimi?……
The Zimbabwe jazz fraternity has lost a real giant. You were one of a kind. Thank you for the music, friendship, guidance and support. May your soul rest in peace my brother. My deepest condolences to Clancy Mbirimi and the Mbirimis
Friday started his singing career performing in schools in Harare with the likes of the late Simangaliso Tutani and other jazz musicians in the 1960s. He and his colleagues then formed their first band the Shelton Brothers which delivered hearty home-styled Zimbabwean Jazz music.
His illustrious career spanned decades in the local jazz circles and he was a member of various groups including the famous Harare Mambos band which boasted other artists like Elisha Josam, Clancy Mbirimi, Newman Chipeni, Newton Kanengoni, William Kashiri, Tanga wekwa Sando (Ernest Sando Kambadzu), Paul and Virginia Silla.
With his brother Lovejoy Mbirimi (late) and William Kashiri, they formed Mbare Trio which had hits like “Uru Rufaro” and “KwaMutare”. Friday was also a session musician who backed many musicians as part of Summer Breeze a local outfit that featured Friday as a vocalist and drummer, Faon ri Sumaili lead guitarist, Vincent Kapepa on bass and Moses Kabubi on keyboards.
As an educationist, Friday played a huge role in developing new musical talents as a lecturer at the Zimbabwe College of Music between 2004 and 2007. He had a long teaching career and was the first substantive headmaster of Epworth High School which was commissioned in 1981.
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