When Paul Simon recorded Graceland in 1986, he worked with some of South Africa’s finest musicians. One of them was Ray Phiri, a guitarist and bandleader whose playing combined jazz, mbaqanga and soul. Phiri contributed to the album’s sound and joined Simon on tour, introducing audiences around the world to South African guitar styles. At home, he was already famous as the leader of Stimela, a band whose songs spoke to life under apartheid.
Early life, Stimela and Graceland
Raymond Chikapa Enock Phiri was born in 1947 near Nelspruit, in what is now Mpumalanga. His father, a guitarist from Malawi, influenced his early interest in music. Phiri played with the band the Cannibals in the 1970s, backing singers and developing his guitar style. In the early 1980s, he formed Stimela, meaning “steam train.” The band blended jazz, funk, soul and South African styles.
Stimela’s songs, such as Whispers in the Deep and Look, Listen and Decide, addressed fear, silence and life under apartheid. Phiri played guitar on Graceland and helped shape its arrangements. The album won the Grammy for Album of the Year.
Touring, the boycott and honours
He toured with Paul Simon, performing for large audiences abroad. Graceland was controversial because it broke the cultural boycott of apartheid South Africa, and the musicians involved faced criticism as well as praise. Phiri’s guitar playing was known for its fluid, melodic lines and rhythmic drive. He continued performing with Stimela and as a solo artist, and mentored younger musicians.
He received South African music awards and national honours. Ray Phiri died in July 2017. He is remembered as one of South Africa’s greatest guitarists.
A musicians' musician
The band built a loyal following in South Africa’s townships and cities through live shows and radio play. Their albums sold strongly through the 1980s. Other guitarists admired his technique and timing, and many younger South African players say they learned by copying his parts from records. In later years he worked with young musicians and spoke about the importance of music education and fair treatment of artists.
Millions of people have heard Ray Phiri’s guitar on Graceland without knowing his name. In South Africa, Stimela’s songs made sure that name was never forgotten.
