|
Stimela is a South African Afro-fusion band,founded during the 1970s by Ray Phiri a self-taught guitarist. the band was formed when Phiri got together with drummer Isaac Mtshali, Thabo Lloyd Lelosa and Jabu Sibumbe and they initially call themselves the Cannibals. The band started out as instrumentalists, but it later evolved to Afro-fusion when they joined forces with vocalist Jacob "Mparanyana" Radabe in 1975, continuing to work together for four years. and the band still kept going on after Radebe died in 1978.
They then changed their name to Stimela after a life changing experience in Mozambique when they were stranded in Maputo for three months. At this time, they had to sell all their belongings to take a train back home. this trip was a watershed moment to them as this was where they conceived the new name for the band, as 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 who joined the band. with soulful tunes and gripping lyrics, the band has recorded platinum-winning albums like 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 Deepwas restricted for broadcast by the old South African Broadcasting Corporation
|
