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Ray PhiriSouth African musician
Country:
 South Africa |
Content:
- Early Life and Influences
- The Cannibals and Stimela
- Collaboration with Paul Simon and Ladysmith Black Mambazo
- Later Projects and Legacy
- Health Challenges and Personal Life
- Recognition and Impact
Early Life and Influences
Born on March 23, 1947, in Nelspruit, South Africa, to a Malaysian immigrant father and a South African guitarist known as 'Just Now' Firie, Raymond 'Ray' 'Chikapa' Enoch Firie embarked on his musical journey as a self-taught guitarist. Influenced by South Africa's diverse music scene, including jazz, fusion, and the township music genre known as mbaqanga, Firie honed his skills.
The Cannibals and Stimela
In the 1970s, Firie formed The Cannibals, a band that would later evolve into the Afro-fusion group Stimela. The group's transformative journey began in 1982 after being stranded in Maputo, Mozambique, for three months. Forced to sell their possessions, they boarded a train back home, inspiring the name Stimela, meaning 'train' in Nguni languages. Stimela's albums garnered gold and platinum status, including "Fire, Passion and Ecstacy" (1982) and "Look, Listen and Decide" (1986).
Collaboration with Paul Simon and Ladysmith Black Mambazo
In 1985, American singer-songwriter Paul Simon invited Firie, the male choral group Ladysmith Black Mambazo known for isicathamiya and mbube vocals, and other South African musicians to join his controversial yet successful "Graceland" project. The album, an eclectic mix of pop-rock, zydeco, mbaqanga, isicathamiya, and more, brought Firie and his fellow countrymen international recognition.
Later Projects and Legacy
Firie's collaboration with Simon continued on his ninth solo studio album, "Rhythm of the Saints." The project saw Firie perform in over 30 countries from 1990 to 1991, including appearances at "The Concert in The Park" in Central Park, New York (NY) in August 1991 and Madison Square Garden. In 2015, Simon organized a 25th-anniversary tour for "Graceland," featuring Firie on vocals, guitar, and arrangements. Despite a falling out with Simon, Firie acknowledged the impact of "Graceland" on his career.
Health Challenges and Personal Life
Firie's personal life was marked by a series of car accidents. He suffered serious injuries in a 1987 crash that killed his band manager and six others. In 2003, his wife Daphne was killed in a car accident, while Firie escaped with minor injuries. Diagnosed with lung cancer, he passed away on July 12, 2017, at the age of 71, at the Nelspruit Hospital.
Recognition and Impact
Throughout his career, Firie received numerous awards for his contributions to the music industry. He was bestowed the Order of Ikhamanga in Silver by the South African President. Firie's legacy lives on through his music, which continues to inspire and uplift audiences worldwide.
