Stimela

This article is about the South African band. For Hugh Masekela's 1994 album, see Stimela (album).
Stimela
OriginSouth Africa
Genres
Years active1970s–present
Labels
  • Gallo
  • TM Performing Arts Management
MembersRay Phiri (1947–2017)
Nana Coyote
Isaac "Mnca" Mtshali
Thabo Lloyd Lelosa
Jabu S'bumbe
Thapelo Khomo
Ntokozo Zungu
Sam Ndlovu
Bafana Khuzwayo

Stimela is a South African band founded during the 1970s by Ray Phiri, a self-taught guitarist.[1] Stimela was formed when Phiri got together with drummer Isaac Mtshali, Thabo Lloyd Lelosa and Jabu Sibumbe, and they initially called themselves The Cannibals.[2] The band is infamously known as a "fusion-style band" for blending mbaqanga and jazz.[3][4] They joined forces with vocalist Jacob "Mparanyana" Radebe in 1975, continuing to work together for four years. The band kept going after Radebe died in 1978.[citation needed]

They changed their name to Stimela after a life-changing experience in Mozambique when they were stranded in Maputo for three months. They had to sell all their belongings to take a train home. This trip was a watershed moment as it was where they conceived the new name for the band: train is translated as Stimela in Nguni languages.[citation needed]

Besides the change in name, the band also expanded with new members Charlie "Sam" Ndlovu, Nana Coyote, Thapelo Kgomo and Ntokozo Zungu.[5] With soulful tunes and gripping lyrics, the band has recorded platinum-winning albums such as Fire, Passion and Ecstasy, Listen, Look and Decide as well as the controversial People Don't Talk, So Let's Talk. One of their most memorable tracks — "Whispers in the Deep" — was restricted for broadcast by the old South African Broadcasting Corporation.[6]

Members

  • Ray Phiri (1947–2017) - lead guitar, lead vocals
  • Sam Ndlovu - Vocals
  • Isaac "Mnca" Mtshali (1955–2019) - drummer
  • Nana Coyote (1955–2010) - lead vocals
  • Thapelo Khomo - Keyboards/Piano/Synthesizers
  • Ntokozo Zungu - lead guitar
  • Bafana Khuzwayo (1978-2017) - organ
  • Lloyd Lelosa (1955-2021) - Keyboards/Piano
  • Jabu Sibumbe - Bass
  • Sandile Ngema - Bass
  • Charles "Dibabas" Ndlovu (***-2009) - Organ
  • Sizwe Mashinini - Keyboards

Discography

  • 1982: Mama Wami
  • 1982: The Cannibals
  • 1983: I Hate Telling A Lie /I Love You
  • 1984: Fire, Passion and Ecstasy
  • 1985: Shadows, Fear and Pain
  • 1986: Look, Listen and Decide
  • 1986: Rewind (EP)
  • 1987: The Unfinished Story
  • 1988: Live!
  • 1989: Trouble In The Land of Plenty
  • 1990: The 2nd Half
  • 1991: Siyaya
  • 1992: Khululani
  • 1993: Are You Ready (Live Album)
  • 1994: Don't Ask Why
  • 1995: Are You Ready (Live)
  • 1996: Out of the Ashes
  • 2000: Steam Tracks (Best of)
  • 2001: Live At The Market Theatre - 1st Half (Stimela 1988 Live Re-Release )
  • 2002: The 2nd Half (Re-release)
  • 2010: A Lifetime...
  • 2011: Turn on the Sun [citation needed]
  • 2018: Catch The Train

External links

References

  1. ^ "South African Musician Phiri Dies at 70". Voice of America (VOA). Associated Press. 15 July 2017. Archived from the original on 16 July 2017. Retrieved 14 January 2024.
  2. ^ "South African jazz legend Ray Phiri dies at 70". Vanguard. 12 July 2017. Archived from the original on 9 November 2020. Retrieved 14 January 2024.
  3. ^ Tsioulcas, Anastasia (12 July 2017). "'Graceland' Guitarist And Arranger Ray Phiri Dies, Age 70". National Public Radio (NPR). Archived from the original on 26 May 2022. Retrieved 14 January 2024.
  4. ^ South Africa, Brand (12 July 2017). "Remembering Ray Phiri, South African musician 1947 – 2017". Brand South Africa. Archived from the original on 14 January 2024. Retrieved 14 January 2014.
  5. ^ Craig Harris, Artist Biography, AllMusic,
  6. ^ "Raymond Chikapa Phiri", The Presidency, Republic of South Africa.[dead link]