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 called themselves the Cannibals. The band started out as instrumentalists, but it later evolved to Afro-fusion when they joined forces with vocalist Jacob "Mparanyana" Radebe in 1975, continuing to work together for four years. The band kept going after Radebe died in 1978.
They changed their name to Stimela after a life-changing experience in Mozambique when they were stranded in Maputo for three months. They had to sell all their belongings to take a train home. This trip was a watershed moment as it was where they conceived the new name for the band: 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. With soulful tunes and gripping lyrics, the band has recorded platinum-winning albums such as 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 Deep" — was restricted for broadcast by the old South African Broadcasting Corporation.
Members
Ray Phiri (1947–2017) - lead guitar, lead vocals
Sam Ndlovu - Vocals
Isaac "Mnca" Mtshali (1955–2019) - drummer
Nana Coyote (1955–2010) - lead vocals
Thapelo Khomo - Keyboards/Piano/Synthesizers
Ntokozo Zungu - lead guitar
Bafana Khuzwayo (1978-2017) - organ
Lloyd Lelosa (1955-2021) - Keyboards/Piano
Jabu Sibumbe - Bass
Sandile Ngema - Bass
Charles "Dibabas" Ndlovu (***-2009) - Organ
Sizwe Mashinini - Keyboards
Discography
1982: Mama Wami
1982: The Cannibals
1983: I Hate Telling A Lie /I Love You
1984: Fire, Passion and Ecstasy
1985: Shadows, Fear and Pain
1986: Look, Listen and Decide
1986: Rewind (EP) 1987: The Unfinished Story 1988: Live! 1989: Trouble In The Land of Plenty 1990: The 2nd Half 1991: Siyaya 1992: Khululani 1993: Are You Ready (Live Album) 1994: Don't Ask Why 1995: Are You Ready (Live) 1996: Out of the Ashes 2000: Steam Tracks (Best of) 2001: Live At The Market Theatre - 1st Half (Stimela 1988 Live Re-Release ) 2002: The 2nd Half (Re-release) 2010: A Lifetime... 2011: Turn on the Sun 2018: Catch The Train