Stimela
Introduction '''Stimela''' is a South African band founded during the 1970s by Ray Phiri, a self-taught guitarist. Stimela was formed when Phiri got together with drummer Isaac Mtshali, Thabo Lloyd Lelosa and Jabu Sibumbe, and they initially called themselves ''The Cannibals''. The band is infamously known as a "fusion-style  band" for blending mbaqanga and jazz. 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.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.Besides the change in name, the band also expanded with new members Charlie "Sam" Ndlovu, Nana Coyote, Thapelo Kgomo and Ntokozo Zungu. 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.
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'' * 2018: ''Catch The Train''
External links * Ray Phiri  & Stimela: performing ''Highland Drifter'' live in concert - (Zuluboys, 2010)
References