They changed their name to Stimela after a life-changing experience in Mozambique when they were stranded in Maputo for three months. They had to sell all their belongings to take a train home. This trip was a watershed moment as it was where they conceived the new name for the band: train is translated as Stimela in Nguni languages.
Besides the change in name, the band also expanded with new members Charlie "Sam" Ndlovu, Nana Coyote, Thapelo Kgomo and Ntokozo Zungu. With soulful tunes and gripping lyrics, the band has recorded platinum-winning albums such as Fire, Passion and Ecstasy, Listen, Look and Decide as well as the controversial People Don't Talk, So Let's Talk. One of their most memorable tracks - "Whispers in the Deep" - was restricted for broadcast by the old South African Broadcasting Corporation.
Members
Ray Phiri - lead guitar, lead vocals (Raymond Chikapa Enock Phiri, 23 March 1947 – 12 July 2017)
Sam Ndlovu - Vocals
Isaac "Mnca" Mtshali - drummer
The late - Nana Coyote - lead vocals
Thapelo Kgomo - keyboards
Ntokozo Zungu - lead guitar
Bafana Khuzwayo - organ
Discography
1982: Fire, Passion and Ecstasy
1983: Rewind
1985: Shadows, Fear and Pain
1986: Look, Listen and Decide
1988: Live!
1987: Unfinished Story
1991: Siyaya
1983: Rewind (EP)
1985: Shadows Fear and Pain (EP)
1989: Trouble in the Land of Plenty
1994: Khululani
1995: Don't Ask Why
1995: Are You Ready (Live)
1987: The Unfinished Story
1996: Out of the Ashes
2000: Steam Tracks (Best of)
2001: Live At The Market Theatre - 1st Half (Live)
2002: The 2nd Half (Live)
2010: A Lifetime...
2011: turn on the sun
Raymond Chikapa Enock Phiri (23 March 1947 – 12 July 2017) was a South African jazz, fusion and mbaqanga musician born in Mpumalanga to Malawian immigrant worker and South African guitarist nicknamed "Just Now" Phiri. He became founding member of the Cannibals in the 1970s. When the Cannibals disbanded Ray founded Stimela, with whom he conceived 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.
Don't Ask Why
Stimela Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I have a clean, clean mind
Ask me why
I'm happy
Don't ask why
I'm happy
To do do do do (To do do do do )
Don't ask why (Don't ask why)
I'm so happy (I'm happy)
To do do do do (To do do do do )
Don't know much about heartache
And you know everything about me and my past
Ask me why
We came to part
Ask me why
I don't care anymore
Ask me if I'm finally happy
And I'll tell you why
I'm so happy
Don't ask why (Don't ask why)
I'm overjoyed (I'm happy)
Sho be doop do do do (To do do do do )
Don't know much about heartache
Don't ask why (Don't ask why)
I'm so happy (I'm happy)
Sho be doop do do do (To do do do do )
Don't know much about heartache
I told you everything you wanted to know about me
The lyrics to Stimela's "Don't Ask Why" speak to the idea that happiness does not always have a reason or explanation. The opening lines "Ask me why, I have a clean, clean mind" and "Ask me why, I'm happy" suggest that the singer is anticipating questions from others about why they feel the way they do. However, the repeated refrain "Don't ask why" emphasizes that the singer doesn't necessarily have a logical explanation for their contentment.
The lines "Don't know much about heartache" suggest that perhaps the singer has not experienced significant hardship or pain in recent times. This idea is reinforced later in the song when the singer says "Ask me why we came to part" and "Ask me why I don't care anymore." These lyrics don't provide any specific details about the situation, but they suggest that the singer has moved on from a difficult situation and is choosing to focus on their present happiness instead.
Overall, the song is a celebration of joy and contentment that doesn't need to be justified or explained. It's a reminder that sometimes happiness can be a simple, uncomplicated feeling, and that's okay.
Line by Line Meaning
Ask me why
Inquire about the reason behind my current state of mind
I have a clean, clean mind
My thoughts are devoid of negativity
I'm happy
I am content with my life
Don't ask why
Please refrain from questioning my happiness further
To do do do do (To do do do do )
Nonsensical syllables to represent a light-hearted and carefree mood
Don't know much about heartache
I have not experienced significant emotional pain in my life
And you know everything about me and my past
You are aware of all the information I have shared about my personal history
Ask me why
Please ask me about the cause of our separation
I don't care anymore
I have become indifferent to the situation
Ask me if I'm finally happy
Inquire if I have achieved a state of contentment
And I'll tell you why
I will provide an answer to your question
I'm overjoyed
I am filled with immense happiness
Sho be doop do do do (To do do do do )
Repetition of nonsensical syllables to emphasize the elation felt
I told you everything you wanted to know about me
I have divulged all the information you wished to learn about me
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@sonwaa
The way I've BEEN searching for this video, YouTube just recommended it now. I can't believe this😭 I only saw this vid once on SABC 2's show Afro Cafe back in the day, it has been stuck in my mind since then. So please don't ask why I'm overjoyed😭😍🤩😅
@thegeneral1075
Please keep these videos coming ❤️🔥hopefully you'll update Trouble in the land of plenty music video 🔥
@loratomahatlhe4623
Been looking for this song. Thank you ever so much. I really love this song.🙏❤️🤝
@reaabetsoe9367
Am I the only one who recognizes Sis Khanyo's voice from the backing vocalists... 😍😭🎶
@sonwaa
No you're not😁 I've made a similar comment in one of Ringo's song. You can never miss Khanyo's soprano in any song she sang on. Almost all Ringo's old songs has Khanyo. Tsepo Tshola's Look To Thee, you'll find her there as well. She was one of the most trusted sopranos back then.🤩
@thegeneral1075
Thank you Family ❤️❤️❤️🔥
@onkarabilelebeloane6091
Read all about it... Thank you. Please keep them coming.
@trenothefirst2822
Wow Thanks For The Video wow...
🔥🔥🔥🎵🎶
@entigostimecapsule.7
Appreciated.
@franktsoai6132
The good old days... May their souls rest in peace