Clancy Mbirimi’s Passing Marks the End of a Jazz Legacy in Zimbabwe

The Late Clancy Mbirimi

Reporter - Imbuwa Mubinana Clancy Mbirimi, a respected Zimbabwean bassist and a prominent figure in the country’s jazz music scene, passed away recently, sending shockwaves through Zimbabwe’s music fraternity. The news of his death was made public on June 28, 2025, by renowned musician and family friend Clive “Mono” Mukundu via social media. Mukundu described the loss as a devastating blow to Zimbabwe’s music industry, underscoring the profound grief and reverence felt across the community.

Clancy hailed from a deeply musical family led by the late Friday Mbirimi Senior. His brother, the late Friday Mbirimi, was a jazz legend and member of the iconic Mbare Trio, which also featured Lovejoy Mbirimi and William Kashiri. The group was pivotal to the evolution of Zimbabwe’s township jazz culture, known for its soulful, harmonic performances that defined an era. Clancy carried this legacy forward with distinction, becoming a central figure in sustaining the family’s musical heritage.

A veteran bassist, Clancy was a member of the influential Harare Mambos band and contributed to numerous musical projects over the years. His musicianship and quiet dedication to Zimbabwean jazz earned him the admiration of peers and fans alike. Beyond the stage, Clancy also worked behind the scenes as a music producer, nurturing up-and-coming talent and shaping the sound of emerging artists in Zimbabwe.

Celebrating a Life in Music and Community

Funeral arrangements brought together mourners at Beatrice Cottages in Mbare—a location symbolic not only for the Mbirimi family but also for the broader music community in Harare. Clancy is set to be buried on Tuesday, June 31, 2025, at Zororo Memorial Park. The gathering of family, musicians, and fans highlights the deep cultural footprint the Mbirimi family has left on Zimbabwe’s artistic landscape. The funeral serves both as a moment of mourning and a celebration of a life lived in service of music and community.

Tributes from fellow musicians reflect Clancy’s behind-the-scenes influence on Zimbabwe’s musical journey. Clive “Mono” Mukundu, himself a celebrated producer and artist, credited Clancy for being instrumental in launching his own production career. In his book Following the Melody, Mono recounts how Clancy was the first to recognize his potential and played a key role in getting legendary producer Elias Musakwa to hire him—an opportunity that shaped Mono’s career trajectory.

Legacy of a Quiet Architect in Zimbabwean Jazz

Clancy and Mono’s collaboration stretched over decades. In 1999, the pair were part of the Revival Ministries Praise and Worship Team—one of many projects they shared. Clancy’s role in these collaborations was often humble but pivotal, contributing quietly and meaningfully to both musical execution and production.

His influence extended beyond performance. As a producer, Clancy worked with various record labels, helping shape the sound of Zimbabwean music through mentorship, guidance, and technical skill. His ability to develop young talent made him a central but often understated figure in the country’s creative ecosystem.

The loss of Clancy Mbirimi marks the end of a significant chapter in Zimbabwean jazz. For decades, the Mbirimi family has been at the heart of the country’s cultural heartbeat. Clancy’s passing not only leaves a personal void in the lives of those who knew him but also signifies the closing of a powerful era in local music history. His contributions will live on through the musicians he inspired, the records he helped craft, and the legacy he shared with his brother and family.