• Source: Stimela

Stimela, is a South African band which emerged as an afrofusion ensemble in the 1980s under the leadership of guitarist Ray Phiri best known for his collaboration on Paul Simon's Graceland and The Rhythm of the Saints, albums.




Early years


Stimela originated from a soul band called The Cannibals. Established by Phiri in the 1970s, the band attained a series of successful singles in South Africa. In the early 1980s, Phiri and former members of The Cannibals came together to form Stimela (meaning "steam train"). Ray Phiri assumed leadership of the band,as a guitarist, handling songwriting and frequently taking on lead vocals. Joy White was the band's initial vocalist.
Subsequently, the band underwent expansion with the addition of new members Charlie "Sam" Ndlovu, Nana Coyote, Thapelo Kgomo, Jacob "Mparanyana" Radebe and Ntokozo Zungu.
The band's name transitioned to Stimela following a transformative event in Mozambique, where they found themselves stranded in Maputo for three months. Forced to sell all their possessions to afford a train journey back home, this experience became pivotal as it inspired the band's new name, Stimela.




Career


The band achieved platinum status with albums like Fire, Passion and Ecstasy, Listen, Look and Decide and the controversial People Don't Talk, So Let's Talk.




Apartheid state-controlled songs ban


Stimela's song, "Whispers in the Deep," lyrics' prompted, "speak your mind, don’t be afraid" faced broadcast restrictions by the former South African Broadcasting Corporation as Stimela's music occasionally confronted the boundaries of what could be openly expressed during apartheid.




Artistry


Afrofusion constituted the core sound of Stimela. Stimela combined jazz and R&B with traditional South African rhythmic styles such as mbaqanga.




Band members


Ray Phiri (1947–2017) - lead guitar, lead vocals
Sam Ndlovu - Lead 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
2018: Catch The Train




External links


Ray Phiri & Stimela: performing Highland Drifter live in concert - (Zuluboys, 2010)




References

Kata Kunci Pencarian:

• Sarafina! (film)
• Stimela
• Stimela (album)
• Shosholoza
• Ray Phiri
• Diana Gordon discography
• Music of South Africa
• World Boxing Federation
• Sarafina! (film)
• Nana Coyote
• Hugh Masekela