Music veteran Ray Phiri has lost his battle with lung cancer.
Born on March 23 1947 near Nelspruit in Mpumalanga the 70-year-old musician died in the early hours of the morning on July 12.
His last moments were spent surrounded by close friends and family‚ his brother and family spokesperson Paul Nkanyane told the Sowetan newspaper on Wednesday.
News of Phiri’s failing health was first reported early this week.
He was a founding member of the Cannibals in the 1970s. The group was later renamed Stimela and had created gold and platinum-selling albums like Fire, Passion and Ecstacy (1991), Look, Listen and Decide (1992) as well as the controversial People Don’t Talk So Let’s Talk.
READ: Road-tripping Maputo with Bra Ray
“He was a musical giant. This is indeed a huge loss for South Africa and the music industry as a whole. We are with his family in thoughts and prayers during this trying period,” President Jacob Zuma said.
Phiri was also honoured with the Order of Ikhamanga in Silver for his sterling contribution to the South African music industry and the successful use of arts as an instrument of social transformation.
National orders are the highest awards that a country, through its president, bestows on its citizens and eminent foreign nationals.
“We danced, laughed and cried to the comforting sounds of Zwakala, Whispers in the Deep and Phinda Mzala,” said Refiloe Nt’sekhe, DA national spokesperson.
“In the 1970s Phiri’s music spoke to issues that are still affecting our people today. Bra Ray sowed the seeds for a vibrant South African music industry and his untimely departure has left a gap that can never be filled. We have lost a true icon of the soil.”
READ: Catching up with Ray Phiri
As news of his death broke, South Africans took to Twitter to mourn his passing.
I have no words on the loss of my dear friend Ray Phiri. I am too devastated and I am at a loss for words
— Hotstix (@siphohotstix) July 12, 2017
We extend our condolences to family & friends of legendary musician, Ntate Ray Phiri. Rest in Peace. #RayPhiri pic.twitter.com/bvKx9eHg4j
— Kaya FM 95.9 (@kayafm95dot9) July 12, 2017
So heart breaking: oh bra Ray Phiri ?????? ?? May his soul rest in perfect musical peace! pic.twitter.com/RMo3chJiXR
— IG: @MbuyiseniNdlozi (@MbuyiseniNdlozi) July 12, 2017
We are deeply saddened by the news of the passing of a jazz legend and a one-of-a-kind musician, ntate Ray Phiri. pic.twitter.com/hL5AKk81xh
— Min. Nathi Mthethwa (@NathiMthethwaSA) July 12, 2017
"Death is the last chapter in time, but the first chapter in Eternity." Rest in perfect peace, Ntate Phiri!?? #RIPRayPhiri pic.twitter.com/ls0qWhZTUh
— Boity Thulo (@Boity) July 12, 2017
The loss of Ray Phiri so soon after Johnny Mekoa marks an incalculable loss for this nation and the arts..#RipRayPhiri #RipJohnyMekoa
— Dali Mpofu (@AdvDali_Mpofu) July 12, 2017
??????
What a loss! Rest In Peace, Ray Phiri. Through your music, you never missed a beat. May it live on forever ???? pic.twitter.com/cTCsr46Cri
— BET Africa ch. 129 (@BET_Africa) July 12, 2017
This Ray Phiri passing is far more difficult than it was hearing Michael Jackson is no more. If you grew up in the 80s & 90s you'll know??
— Songezo (@songzwriter) July 12, 2017
#RIPRayPhiri - From the days of 'The Cannibals', 'Stimela' to his 70's - Ray Phiri, Ikhamanga music great - We Salute & Thank You! ?????????? pic.twitter.com/4beWPkL3To
— Nontobeko Sibisi (@Nontobek0Sibisi) July 12, 2017
Years later, my sister would book jazz artists to play casinos.I'd tag along.Stimela were so humble, only cared about the music #RIPRayPhiri
— Mmabatho Montsho (@MmabathoMontsho) July 12, 2017
Rest In Peace to one of South Africa's musical greats, Ntate Ray Phiri. Your music will live on forever???? pic.twitter.com/7nCTcliXn9
— Maps Maponyane (@MapsMaponyane) July 12, 2017
Just last month the jazz, fusion and mbaqanga musician known for songs such as Zwakala (Come to me) – Siyaya Phambili and Sishovingolovane – was announced as one of the performers at the Rocking the Daisies music festival which was set to take place later this year.
"Some of our songs will outlive us. I will pass away and the songs will still be played." #RIPRayPhiri pic.twitter.com/f4OrZcqeoo
— HuffPost SouthAfrica (@HuffPostSA) July 12, 2017
In November 2003 Phiri survived a tragic car accident that claimed the life of his wife, Daphney.
Phiri, Daphney, their daughter, who was eight months old and two friends, Larry Myathaza and Lindelani Mathonsi, were returning home to Barberton after a weekend away when the crash occurred near Badplaas.
The crash left Phiri in a critical condition but his daughter, Linhle, survived the accident unscathed.
The accident was not the couple’s first. Daphney was hospitalised in 2002 when the family’s Volvo collided with another car in Nelspruit.
Phiri was also badly injured in 1987 in a crash that claimed the lives of his band manager and six others. The accident so traumatised Phiri that he only re-emerged from musical “exile” 11 years later.