Ray Phiri | |
---|---|
![]() Phiri performing in 2007 | |
Born | Raymond Chikapa Phiri 23 March 1947 Nelspruit, South Africa |
Died | 12 July 2017 Nelspruit, South Africa | (aged 70)
Occupation(s) | Recording artist, jazz fusion |
Years active | 1970–2017 |
Spouse | Daphney Phiri (deceased) |
Children | 3 sons, 5 daughters |
Musical career | |
Genres | Jazz, jazz fusion, reggae, mbaqanga |
Instruments | Vocals, guitar |
Labels | Gallo, Barclay |
Raymond Chikapa Enock Phiri (23 March 1947 – 12 July 2017) was a South African jazz guitarist, singer, fusion and mbaqanga musician. He was born in Mpumalanga to Malawian immigrant worker and South African guitarist nicknamed "Just Now" Phiri.
Phiri became founding member of the Cannibals in the 1970s. When the Cannibals disbanded Ray founded Stimela, with whom he conceived gold and platinum-selling albums like Fire, Passion and Ecstasy (1991), Look, Listen and Decide (1992) as well as the controversial People Don't Talk So Let's Talk.
Phiri died at the age of 70 on 12 July 2017 at a Nelspruit hospital from lung cancer.[1][2]