‘‘South Africa has lost a musical icon and a patriot who contributed immensely to the attainment of democracy in the country” – Xoliswa Tom
WHEN news of Ray Phiri’s death started trickling in on social media, few people believed it, with some even dismissing it as fake news.
After his lung cancer diagnosis became public, it was hard to see how a man with so much charisma and energy was suffering from this terminal illness.
Last year, Phiri and fellow muso Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse went on a personal marketing campaign for their explosive tribute jazz evening concert at the Birchwood Hotel in Boksburg, Ekurhuleni.
Phiri arrived at Cape Times sister paper, The Star’s building and said he had been driving all day going to different media houses and The Star was the last stop before he headed back home to Nelspruit.
“So far away, won’t you be tired?” I asked to which he responded, “It’s all in a day’s work.”
Earlier this year, at the announcement launch for the Igoda music circuit where Phiri performed at all five festivals during Africa month in May, the 70-year-old said it was about time that southern Africa was discovered through performance.
Phiri was able to attend all the festivals throughout Africa month in Reunion Island, Mozambique, Swaziland and at home over a period of three weeks.
When Jazzman Mahlakgane, founder of the Ekurhuleni Comes Alive Jazz evenings, chose to honour musical legends, Phiri and Mabuse were his first thought.
He had seen Phiri as an idol since he was a teenager.
Mahlakgane said: “Ray became my friend when I started the Birchwood evenings and when I told them about the night they were so excited.
“Of all the fond memories I have, the fact that the two big legends who could have potentially had big egos were so excited they decided to do those interviews together and promote their night.”
On the night of their performance in December, it was a packed show.
It ran into the early hours of the morning.
“They wanted to take pictures with their fans before the actual show and even after. I will forever respect them for that.”
Mahlakgane said if there was one thing the younger artists of today could learn from Phiri it was to always stay humble.
“It’s something that I wish young artists would learn from them because I think that speaks volumes.
“Phiri’s death sends a strong message to musicians to really take a page out of his book.
He was popular internationally, but could still walk into a shack and have a drink with people before going on stage to perform.”
Though he was sad, Mahlakgane said he was proud of the fact that he was supportive and always there for Phiri.
“Sometimes when you lose people and you were there for them you feel good, we are hurt but I feel like I don’t have to say much more about him.”
Manager and Black Major stable founder Sevi Spanoudi called Phiri a hard working, uncompromising and tireless person.
Phiri joined the stable early this year.
“He loved being surrounded by young people, his energy was so young and vibrant.
“Everyone at Black Major loved working with Ray, not only because of the artist and the legacy, but the person that he was.
“Funny, kind, generous, hard working and full of the best stories. Stories about his childhood, the farm, the fame, touring the world, his children. He was a brilliant story teller.”
She said of his last performances during the Igoda tour that Phiri and the band rehearsed for 10 hours a day.
She said Phiri had a hilarious way of communicating to the band while performing.
“When somebody was slowing down the tempo he would do this little movement ‘get off the wheelchair” and play!’
“So much energy, never complaining, always on time and with something nice to say to everyone around him.
“He wanted the show to be perfect.
“His standard was high setting the bar with himself.
“Zakifo, the Durban show, was a highlight. Those of us who were there will remember it forever.”
Spanoudi said in the months that the stable was able to work with the icon in the new phase of his career, they were excited and had great hopes for the future.
Condolences have been pouring in from artists old and young, local and international.
Fellow iconic musician Tshepo Tsola called Phiri a giant who had magic hands in the kitchen and summed up what most people would call Phiri.
“He was a friend, a teacher and a brother.”