South African music legend and former Stimela frontman Ray Phiri has died at the age of 70. The jazz legend suffered from lung cancer and had recently been admitted to a hospital in Nelspruit.
Ray Phiri’s family confirmed the news on Wednesday morning. The family spokesperson said they are devastated by the death of the music legend.
Ray 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.
News of Phiri’s ailing health was first reported this week.
Phiri was scheduled to perfom at Rocking The Daisies music festival later this year.
The late Phiri has been hailed as a musical giant whose qualities included his unique stage pretense, charisma and longevity as an artist.
Those who paid tribute to him include fellow artists as well as President Jacob Zuma, who previously bestowed him with the Order of Ikhamanga in Silver for his contribution to the music industry and the struggle against apartheid.
The African National Congress has sent its condolences to Phiri’s family, calling on South Africans to emulate the artist in using his talent to bring about change.
Meanwhile, tributes are pouring in for the music icon with his passing described as a great loss to the music industry and the country.