BREAKING NEWS: Legendary musician Ray Phiri dies
South African jazz legend, Ray Phiri has died this morning.
The 70-year-old musician suffered from lung cancer and had recently been been admitted to Mediclinic in Nelspruit for treatment.
Phiri – a jazz, fusion and mbaqanga musician – was born on 23 March 1947 near Nelspruit , Mpumalanga. He was a founding member of the Cannibals in the 1970s. Later, the Cannibals would grow in size and rename themselves, becoming the hugely influential Afro-fusion band Stimela.
Last night around 19.00, the Acting Premier, Ms Refilwe Mtshweni, the Speaker of the Legislature, Ms Thandi Shongwe and MEC for culture, sport and recreation, Ms Norah Mahlangu paid him a visit and consoled the family.
Read: A tribute to Sfiso Ncwane
“They spent some time with him and after that, they sat at the reception and left very late, prodding on his condition. It’s good that the highest authority in the province were represented during his last moments.”
“He will be sadly missed because his legendary status not only put the province on the world map, but was a motivator for other artists from the province to venture into the ‘Golden City,’ Johannesburg to seek recording deals,” said culture department spokesperson, Ms Sibongile Nkosi.
Tributes are pouring in for Ray Phiri. Mpumalanga News will keep you updated.
