Raymond Chikapa Enock Phiri, a renowned South African musician, passed away on July 12th, 2017 at the age of 70. Ray, as he was commonly known, was born on March 23rd, 1947 near Nelspruit, in what was then the Eastern Transvaal, now Mpumalanga Province, in South Africa. He was the son of Thabethe Phiri, a Malawian immigrant worker, and Just Now Phiri, a well-known South African guitarist.

Ray was a talented jazz, fusion and mbaqanga musician, and was one of the founding members of the Cannibals in the 1970s. After the Cannibals disbanded, he went on to create Stimela, with whom he produced several gold and platinum-selling albums, including Fire, Passion and Ecstasy (1984), and Look, Listen and Decide (1986).

In addition to his work with Stimela, Ray collaborated with Paul Simon and Ladysmith Black Mambazo on Simon's Graceland (1986) album. This project was a huge success and helped to showcase the talents of South African musicians to a global audience.

Throughout his career, Ray was known for his virtuosic guitar playing, as well as his socially conscious lyrics. He was a beloved figure in the South African music scene and will be remembered for his immense contributions to the country's cultural landscape.

Ray's passing was mourned by many in the music industry and beyond, and his legacy continues to inspire future generations of musicians.