Ray Phiri, a South African jazz musician who became internationally known for his work on Paul Simon\u2019s «Graceland» album and tour, has died at 70.<\/b>
\nJOHANNESBURG \u2014 Ray Phiri, a South African jazz musician who founded the band Stimela and became internationally known while performing on Paul Simon\u2019s \u201cGraceland\u201d tour, died of cancer Wednesday at 70.
Stimela\u2019s best-known albums include \u201cFire, Passion and Ecstasy\u201d and \u201cLook, Listen and Decide, \u201d and Phiri contributed as a guitarist in the 1980s to Simon\u2019s \u201cGraceland\u201d album, which evolved from Simon\u2019s interest in indigenous South African music.
Phiri, a vocalist and guitarist known for his versatility in jazz fusion, indigenous South African rhythms and other styles, received many music awards in his home country.
\u201cHe was a musical giant, \u201d President Jacob Zuma said. \u201cThis is indeed a huge loss for South Africa and the music industry as a whole.\u201d
Political parties also expressed condolences, saying Phiri\u2019s songs resonated among many South Africans, particularly during the era of white minority rule that ended in 1994.
\u201cAn immensely gifted composer, vocalist and guitarist, he breathed consciousness and agitated thoughts of freedom through his music, \u201d said the ruling African National Congress party, which was the main movement against apartheid until it took power in the country\u2019s first all-race elections.
South Africa\u2019s main opposition party, the Democratic Alliance, said many people grew up with Phiri\u2019s music. \u201cIn the 1970s, Phiri\u2019s music spoke to issues that are still affecting our people today, \u201d the party said.<\/p>\n

\n

Similarity rank: 1.1<\/div>\n

Sentiment rank: -1.4<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n