He was not just a musician; he was a teacher, an advisor, and an encourager to countless talents. At African Calabash Radio, we do not just spin records; we curate a living history. Today, we pay solemn and joyous tribute to a giant of the soil, a man whose rhythm was the very heartbeat of our continent’s music history. We commemorate the life and legacy of Friday Mbirimi, the jovial gentleman of Zimbabwean Jazz.

Born on a Friday in 1943 in the vibrant Mbare township of Harare—a community that served as a crucible for some of Africa’s greatest artists—Friday Mbirimi was born into rhythm. Growing up, he was nurtured by the hectic musical environment of Mbare, where jazz was not just a genre, but a complementary companion to daily life. Though encouraged to focus on school, his true calling was undeniable, and he quickly learned to master both, pursuing music and his education simultaneously.

Mbirimi's legacy is defined by his versatility and commitment. A brilliant academic (he earned an honours degree in English), he was best known as a vocalist and a profound drummer, playing a pivotal role in shaping the highly respected Harare Mambos band throughout the 1980s and 1990s. His artistry was defined by unique vocal arrangements and an uncanny ability to combine music, dance, and even comedy into a captivating spectacle. When Friday stepped onto the stage, your eyes were glued to the performance.

His most enduring contribution, however, came with the legendary outfit Mbare Trio, which he founded to honor the township that groomed his artistry. It is fitting that he named his iconic vocal group Mbare Trio, in honor of the township which groomed and nurtured his artistic soul. The group consisted of William Kashiri, Friday’s brother Lovejoy Mbirimi (who died in August 2020), and Friday himself. Sometimes their younger brother, Clancy, joined them, as well as younger sister Beaulah. Combined with their keen sense of jazz, comedy, and dance, they created an amazing energy that took township jazz to another level.

Their classic songs, like those on their CD, Uru Rufaro, remain testament to Friday's pure magic. He was a serious and disciplined jazzman who took township jazz to another level.

Beyond his performance career, Friday was a revered teacher, adviser, and encourager. He served as the acting principal of the Zimbabwe College of Music (ZCM) and mentored countless new musical talents as a lecturer between 2004 and 2007. The National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) rightly mourned the nation’s loss of a well-loved musician, songwriter, singer, and bandleader whose wisdom and wise counsel will be missed by scores of musicians.

Friday Mbirimi was not simply a recording artist; he was a master entertainer who lived to perform. He thrived on contracts that assured him a salary to raise his family and set an example for professionalism in the industry. Though he passed on April 6, 2021, his spirit, his humor, and his melodies continue to resonate. As we remember him today, we don't just mourn his passing, but celebrate the "Friday spirit"—the spirit that walked into a room and lightened it up with jokes, laughter, and a sincere love for people.

Today on African Calabash Radio, we say: "Friday Mbirimi, you are gone, but you will never be forgotten. Go well, Music Legend."

To start with, when growing up, we were encouraged to attend Sunday School lessons at Salvation Army church in Mbare. Friday, Clancy and Willis wouldn't go all the way yo church but went to Mai Musodzi Hall or to Stodart Hall to play guitars. Then they would wait for us and ask what we'd learnt, then relate it to our parents as though they had attended church.

That's how they started their music career. Lovejoy went with us to church but later joined big brother Friday as he easily belted out his baritone in Mbare Trio.

Friday played a very important role in my education. He was responsible for my fees and was my high school teacher at Howard Institute. I was in the top 3 in English language and English literature, thanks to my brother Friday.

Fast forward, he ended up his career at one of the top companies in Harare after he had realized that some workers were not being paid whilst most, him included were being paid. He therefore resigned and the post was frozen so that the other workers would be paid.

He's one person, apart from big brother Lemuel Tsikirai who encouraged me to sing in public.

I miss him🙏🏽

Beaullah Mbirimi

He could speak "English like English" (kutaura Chirungu seChirungu. In a strong authoritative but friendly voice.

He was particular about the pronunciation of words correctly.

Which takes me to how he earned his nickname during those days.

He had a number of jeans which were labelled HOMBRE. He was fashion conscious and well dressed and for the occasion almost always.

So we pronounced it as it looked to us as "HOMBREE".

When he got to know about it he corrected in class and said "It's not HOMBREE" it's pronounced "HOMBER" "HOMBA for the Shona speakers 🤣🤣🤣"

Well I wish it was the end of it. It somehow became his nickname. And not the correct pronunciation but the wrong pronunciation HOMBREE.

When he got to know it he just said if you want to give me a name pronounce it well and laughed.

I now move on to his other passion which was music.

Mr Mbirimi was part of a band that used to play for students some of the weekends. They were 3 teachers including Mr Austin Zvoma (former Speaker of Parliament) and Mr Lemuel Tsikirayi (now late and was former Executive at BP and Shell). The band was called The Zeppelins. They used to play a lot of cover versions of popular songs during that time.

Students loved rock and pop. They delivered.

Mr Mbirimi was the drummer. You would see his talents on the song Get Ready by Rare Earth. It's a 21 minute song with a long portion played by the drummer only.

The students really loved them and wished they played every weekend. But a Salvation Army school just saw us not getting enough.

The band used to play in the city during some weekends.

Don't ask me where please. I was an underaged teenager who was "locked up" in the school yard and during holidays too young to go to venues where adults enjoyed themselves 🤣🤣🤣

He had a car but I can't really recall the make and model. But he would just say "vapfanha" fundai mutenge dzenyu.

One day he just said if it wasn't for his father he would have left academic education for music and wouldn't have gone to university.

Then he just said I have said too much but I thank my father. Never talked about it again.

He loved to crack jokes and tell stories. Always a happy soul during the period covered . But a strict disciplinarian for a man who loved playing, joking.

Played recreational football especially when there were teachers team vs students.

So when you hear me speak English or write it, you know where I was shaped and ndozvitemba.🤣

I met Mr Mbirimi a lot of times after he left teaching.

But I will only confine myself to the portion at school. I am sure others can cover that part better.

Rest In Eternal Peace my Teacher.

Chris Chamu Munyengeterwa