The Clancy Michael Mbirimi Guitar Award
Honoring the life and legacy of Clancy Mbirimi
1 June 1952 – 28 June 2025
Master Bassist & Legend of Zimbabwean Jazz
“If you can feel it, you can play it!” Clancy Michael Mbirimi
The announcementRecipientsHis legacyThe interviewRemembering
The Inaugural Clancy Mbirimi Guitar Award
It's been a long, eventful journey from conception to fruition, but yes, indeed, we've made it to the finish line. I am honoured to announce the recipients of the inaugural Clancy Mbirimi Guitar Award.
The first recipient is 24-year-old Percy Toriro, and the second is 27-year-old Bright Chinoda. These two young musicians each receive an electric guitar and a mini amp. As a bonus surprise, we are awarding an acoustic guitar to 16-year-old Warren Griffiths Chiyanja for his enthusiasm and dedication to mastering the art of music.
The Clancy Mbirimi Guitar Award, the brainchild of our patron, John the Boss, is the first step towards achieving my father's dream. It was his desire to ensure that every young person interested in learning the guitar would do so without worrying about any exorbitant training fees. Launching this award is a first step closer to making the dream come true. Although he did start providing some free lessons to aspiring young guitarists, time was not on his side, and he wasn't able to do more in his lifetime. We, the next generation, as his progeny, are stepping up to play our part and do what we can in our lifetime to run with the torch and keep the fire burning.
I'd like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who worked behind the scenes to make this award a reality: my siblings for eating up the idea in a heartbeat, and for their unconditional support and love; and my guardian angels—namely John the Boss, Charles Jangano, Isaac Chirwa, George Munetsi, Tony Chihota, Hayley Mbirimi, Chester and Ben and the Shelter Inc team, Tony Friday, and Davis Magadza—for the gritty brunt work, donating their time and resources, and coordinating from four different countries, all to get the first edition of this award off the ground.
To everyone who supported our cause and cheered us on, thank you for your goodwill and invaluable guidance.
To all the nominees and participants, I thank you for taking the time to submit your entries and showing interest in a worthy cause. Your efforts will not go unnoticed, as this is just the first edition of an award we intend to present on an ongoing basis.
To the recipients of the guitars—Percy, Bright, and Warren—I trust that as we pass the proverbial baton onto you, in the form of a guitar, you will cultivate, nurture, and spread the same positive vibes that defined Clancy: a good nature, a gentle spirit, and a kind heart. May these attributes flow through you as you grow in your talents and love of music, keeping his spirit alive.
Once again, congratulations to the recipients. Makorokoto. Amhlophe. And thank you to everyone who's helped the recipients come this far in their musical journeys.
This is only the beginning, the first step in our quest to make beautiful music together. This might be the makings of the third chapter of the Mambos band, or maybe a Clancy Mbirimi Guitar Academy. Who knows? The sky is the limit!
Inaugural recipients
Three young guitarists, chosen from the entries for the best upcoming guitarist.
Revealed Sunday at 1:00 PM CAT. Tune in live on African Calabash Radio. The recipients will be listed on this page after the show.
Listen live
Percy M.N. Toriro
Age 24Starting his bass journey in 2017 amid early club skepticism, Percy—known on stage as “Basic”—has transformed humble lines into powerful rhythm. Now an electric guitar recipient of the inaugural Clancy Mbirimi Award, he aims to become one of the greatest bassists through grounded mastery.
Bright Isheanesu Chinoda
Age 27Transitioning from church keyboardist to devoted low-end groove maker, Bright fell in love with the bass after seeing a rehearsal powerhouse. Having played with groups like The Gifted Band and Graceful Praise, this electric guitar recipient is fully committed to his path as a professional bassist.
Warren Griffiths Chiyanja
Age 16Discovering his love for performance through CHIPAWO and his primary school band, Warren’s passion for music is a daily constant. As the acoustic guitar recipient of the inaugural Clancy Mbirimi Award, this dedicated young talent is taking his next big step in mastering the guitar.
The Pulse of Zimbabwean Jazz
The African music fraternity and jazz lovers worldwide continue to honor the memory of Clancy Mbirimi, a foundational pillar of the continent's rich musical heritage. As an extraordinary bassist, producer, and arranger, Mbirimi's deep grooves and impeccable timing shaped the soundscape of southern African jazz for decades. Born into the iconic Mbirimi musical dynasty, his artistry was defined by a profound understanding of rhythm, a warm spirit, and an unwavering commitment to preserving traditional sounds within a modern context.
Architect of the Harare Mambos Sound
Mbirimi's indelible mark on music history was solidified during his era-defining work with the legendary Harare Mambos. He wasn't just the rhythmic engine keeping time on the bass; he was a brilliant songwriter who famously penned timeless classics like “Rufaro MuZimbabwe” and “Buhera.” His rare ability to seamlessly blend traditional Shona rhythmic patterns with the smooth sophistication of classic township jazz created a distinct sonic footprint that heavily influenced the trajectory of modern Zimbabwean music.
A Legacy of Mentorship and Production
Beyond his brilliant stage presence with legendary outfits like the Harare Mambos and the Mbare Trio, Mbirimi was a visionary force behind the recording glass. Working as a prominent studio producer and talent scout, he possessed an incredible ear for arrangement, famously recognizing, mentoring, and championing emerging contemporary artists and young production minds. To his fellow musicians, he was affectionately known as “Mr. Smiler”—a dedicated mentor who generously shared an irreplaceable wealth of cultural and music industry wisdom.
Keeping the Groove Alive
Though his bass has fallen silent, the foundational pulse Clancy Mbirimi gave to African music remains completely unbroken. For our station and listeners everywhere, his legacy echoes through every syncopated bassline, every classic recording, and the countless musicians he inspired to pick up an instrument. In celebrating his remarkable life, we commit to keeping his groove spinning on our airwaves, ensuring that his incredible contribution to the soul of our music continues to inspire generations of creators to come.
Exclusive Interview with Clancy Michael Mbirimi
Jazz & Old Xool Community (JOXC) Spotlight Series. Curated for the JOXC by Nyevero Muza, the original afriCANs.
- Full Name
- Clancy Michael Mbirimi
- Stage Names
- Magaivha, Ankuz, John Size, Shumba
- Born
- June 1st, 1952 (Harare). Proud Gemini!
- Main Instruments
- Bass Guitar & Drums
- Associated Genre
- Jazz & African low-end grooves
How did your various stage names come about?
Some call me Magaivha, others Ankuz, and yet others John Size (for this one you will have to ask Bothwell “Stokononzi” Nyamhondera how he came to size me). At Groovy Union they called me Shumba, though I am a Mbizi. Ask Muddy Nyungwa or Davy Ndoro how it came to be.
What is your family story?
My first wife Christine Rufinu (Zuze) died of cancer in 2004. We had 4 kids together but my second child, a son, died when he was one and half years old. The other three are girls: Shungu Janice, Takazvida Lilliosa, and Muchaneta Patience. I got married again to Maria Jackson and she gave me 2 kids, a boy and a girl, Michael Joko and Hayley Hazvi. I thank God that all my kids are happily married!
What instruments do you command?
My main instrument is bass guitar but I also love playing drums. Beyond that: drums, keyboards, guitar, triangle, cowbell, spoons... Ah zvakawanda! I never could blow a horn but I love flutes.
Who are your personal musical favorites?
Fav Local Players: Sam Mataure (drums), Josh Meck (bass guitar), Tony Palmer (keyboards), and Owen Chimuka (keyboards).
Fav Local Artist: Vese ana Gwenyambira.
Fav International Artist: Manje avo worse! But my bestest was Michael Jackson (MJ). Ehee!
What stands out to you as the finest local music produced?
Favorite Song: I like a song called “The Best Is Yet To Come” by myself because it is full of truthfulness.
Best Zim Album of All Time: Tuku's album iyaiya inana Ndafunga Dande (Tuku Music). The songs... the sound... It's just a beautiful album.
Which show or event do you consider to be most memorable?
The first and last time I smoked weed! Hilton Mambo was the culprit who, when we were playing together for Soul And Blues Union in the 1970s, said “Ingoti svutu ka2” and I obliged. Arcadia Hall was completely full and while playing I noticed people dancing, swaying smoothly in the same direction. I thought, “Ay, we really are playing good here!” not knowing it was actually me who was swaying and about to fall completely off the stage! Kkkkkk. Glad I never got to be a smoker or drinker after that, who knows where I could have ended up.
Can you lay out your legendary band journeys and their lineups?
My journey started in the 70s with Groovy Union, moving through Soul and Blues Union (SABU), Harare Mambos B, and graduating up to The Harare Mambos A Band. By '78/79, I moved to Unittee, before returning to Mambos until 1994. Afterwards, I remained in Harare at the Monomotapa Hotel with Riders. Aah, akawandisa maband acho aya! Here is who shared the stage with me:
- Groovy Union
- Hilton Mambo (vocals), David Ndoro (lead guitar), Muddy Nyungwa (rhythm guitar), Tony Gumbo/Nyampokoto (drums), Clancy Michael Mbirimi (bass).
- SABU
- Boykie Moore (drums), Hilton Mambo (vocals), Robert Moore (lead guitar), Dave Ndoro (rhythm guitar), Clancy Michael Mbirimi (bass).
- Harare Mambos B
- Dave Ndoro (lead guitar), James Chimombe (rhythm guitar), Jonathan Nyoni (drums), Clancy Michael Mbirimi (bass).
- Harare Mambos A
- Virginia Sillah Jangano (vocals), Greenford Jangano (organ), Elisha Josamu (lead guitar), Paul Sillah (rhythm/lead guitar), Basil Kumpeu (sax/trumpet), William Kashiri (drums), Clancy Michael Mbirimi (bass). (Iconic names like Tanga wekwa Sando, Louis Mhlanga, and Newman Chipeni also passed through this legendary lineup!)
- Unittee
- Elton Edwards (vocals), Jethro Shasha (drums), Louis Mhlanga (lead guitar), Chris Chabuka (keyboards), Barney De Souza (saxophone), Tanga WekwaSando (trombone).
- Riders
- Ray Mashawa (lead guitar), Fortune Mparutsa (rhythm/keyboards), Neleo Jamal or Filbert Marova (keyboards), Sam Mataure (drums), Clancy Michael Mbirimi (bass).
- Detema Jazz Band
- Tony Palmer (keyboards), Louis & Danny Siankompe (brass), Mike Freeman (lead guitar), Pete Sultan (drums), Clancy Michael Mbirimi (bass).
- Mbare Trio
- The late Friday Mbirimi, William Kashiri, the late Lovejoy Mbirimi, plus Clancy Michael Mbirimi. (This group originally formed with 9 people, including Tuku and Sam Mataure).
- Current Work
- Collaborating dynamically with the Rusike Brothers (Tawanda, Phillip, Abby, Joseph, Isheunopa Jere) and Rhythmic Pulse (Aubin Bowers, Bothwell Nyamhondera, Abby Mayor, Steve Tucker).
What is your recording footprint (Discography & Videography)?
Audio: I am not much of a pure composer, but I recorded my own compositions mostly with The Mambos, including the title track on their only LP called Ngatigare Tese, as well as 7-inch singles: Move, Angela, and Kurauone. Unittee recorded I Love The Way You Love Me right after I left the band.
Video: With The Mambos, we recorded “Mbuya Nehanda kufa vachitaura” at the Rhodesian Broadcasting Corporation (RBC) with Vambe Jirira. With Mbare Trio, we recorded our full live set at Alliance Francaise during a Jazz concert.
What do you consider your ultimate professional achievements?
Achieving absolute self-sustainability through music and helping to turn incredible artists—such as Bob Nyabinde and Kapfupi—into household stars by featuring on their studio recordings.
How can Zimbabwe bring its homegrown sound to the global stage?
When we get to be fiercely proud of our own African sounds from our own homegrown, afrocentric instruments, we will definitely be recognized and celebrated at an international level.
What advice do you leave for the next generation of musicians?
Academics eluded me because of my total love for music, but I made the business work for me when others deemed it unworthy of the effort. When you get into deep waters or rough times, keep swimming. Keep going!
Remembering Clancy
