Ray Phiri facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Ray Phiri dieng
Phiri performing in 2007
Born	Raymond Chikapa Phiri (1947-03-23)23 March 1947 Nelspruit, South Africa
Died	12 July 2017(2017-07-12) (aged 70) Nelspruit, South Africa
Occupation	Recording artist, jazz fusion
Years active	1970–2017
Spouse(s)	Daphney Phiri (deceased)
Children	3 sons, 5 daughters
Musical career
Genres	Jazz, jazz fusion, reggae, mbaqanga
Instruments	Vocals, guitar (Fender Stratocaster)
Labels	Gallo, Barclay
Associated acts	Stimela, "Just Now" Phiri, Paul Simon, Mpharanyana, the Cannibals, Nana Coyote

Raymond Chikapa Enock Phiri (born 23 March 1947 – died 12 July 2017) was a famous South African musician. He played jazz, fusion, and mbaqanga music. Ray Phiri was born in Mpumalanga. His father was a Malawian worker and a guitarist.

Ray Phiri helped start a band called the Cannibals in the 1970s. Later, he formed his own band, Stimela. They made very popular albums like Fire, Passion and Ecstasy (1984) and Look, Listen and Decide (1986). He also worked with the American singer Paul Simon and the South African group Ladysmith Black Mambazo. They created the famous Graceland album in 1986.

Ray Phiri's Music Journey

Ray Phiri was born near Nelspruit in South Africa. In 1985, Paul Simon invited Ray to join his Graceland music project. Other South African musicians, like Ladysmith Black Mambazo, also joined. This project became very successful. It helped South African musicians become well-known around the world.

Ray Phiri worked with Paul Simon again on his album Rhythm of the Saints (1990). Ray performed in many countries during 1990 and 1991. He played at big concerts, including Paul Simon's Concert in the Park in New York. He also appeared on popular TV shows in the United States. The tour ended in South Africa in 1992. In 2012, Ray Phiri joined Paul Simon for a special Graceland 25th Anniversary Tour in Europe. He sang and played guitar.

Ray Phiri once shared that he felt he did not get enough credit for his work on Graceland. He believed he wrote some songs but was not fully recognized. However, he also said he was happy with his life and sanity.

Ray Phiri's Life and Passing

Ray Phiri faced some difficult times due to car accidents. In 1987, he was seriously hurt in a crash. Sadly, his band manager and six other people died in that accident. In 2003, his wife passed away in another car accident. Ray was not badly injured in that one.

Ray Phiri was diagnosed with lung cancer. He passed away at the age of 70 on 12 July 2017. He died in a hospital in Nelspruit. People gathered to remember him at a memorial service. His funeral was held at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit.

Awards and Recognition

Ray Phiri received many awards for his amazing work in music. One special award was the Order of Ikhamanga in Silver. The South African president gave him this award. It honored his great contribution to South African music. It also recognized how he used art to bring about positive changes in society.

Ray Phiri's Albums

Here are some albums Ray Phiri released as a solo artist:

• 1992: People Don't Talk, So Let's Talk
• 1999: How
• 2000: Chikapa's 11 Years