South African jazz legend Ray Phiri has died, the SABC reported on Wednesday morning.
The veteran musician (70) suffered from lung cancer and had recently been rushed to a hospital in Nelpsruit, where he passed away.
Phiri was born on 23 March 1947, he rose to fame when found the now-legendary band, Stimela in the 1970s.
With hits such as ‘Zwakala’, & ‘Where Did We Wrong’, Phiri and his group’s electric yet-so -South African flavoured performances blew audiences away in every country they found themselves in.
He leaves behind a rich catalog of music which has often been sampled by many of South Africa’s younger hip hop artists.
About his gift, he recently told local newspaper City Press, “Music is spiritual. It provides healing and reflection, and it should add value. Emotion should shine through, and a healthy respect for the audience is required.”
Tributes have been pouring in for the fallen star ever since the news broke earlier this morning.
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