By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
Chimurenga music maestro — Dr Thomas Mapfumo — has send his condolences to Mbirimi Family following the death of township jazz legend — Friday Mbirimi on Tuesday.
Mbirimi who fronted the group — Mbare Trio — died aged 78 in Harare after a battle with colon cancer.
In a statement released by Chimurenga Music Company, the United States-based Dr Mapfumo or Mukanya to his legion of fans, took to his social media and consoled the Mbirimis and Zimbabweans at large saying township jazz had been robbed of a great musician.
“Whilst I hope that you all had a pleasant Easter holiday, I’m very sad to hear about the passing of jazz musician Friday Mbirimi.
“Township jazz has been robbed of a great musician. My deepest condolences to the Mbirimi Family and the Jazz industry in Zimbabwe.
“I’m appealing that let us celebrate our artists when they are still alive. To the Mbirimi family may you find comfort and strength in the Lord. To Friday, tinoti ufambe zvakanaka kusivak patinozo sanganiswa naMwari,” he said.
Mukanya also called on Zimbabweans to remain united.
“One again, nematambudziko to the Mbirimi family. Ku mhuri yeZimbabwe let us remina united as a country and help rebuild our country. Thank you,” he said.
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.
Mbirimi who lost his wife in 2000 and is survived by his five children. Burial is set for Monday according to family spokesperson Clancy Mbirimi.
Mourners are gathered at Number 131 Mont Gomery Drive Prospects in Waterfalls, Harare.
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