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 β 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 β 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.
Father
Stimela Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
That's how humble people
Hide their pain
His toil, day in and day out
Trying to keep us from starving
Father I miss your smile
Father I miss your wisdom yes
This song by Stimela titled "Father" is a poignant tribute to the hardworking and selfless fathers who sacrifice themselves day in and day out just to provide for their families. The opening line "Our father wearing a smile" is a description of the facade of happiness that many fathers put on despite being in immense pain or facing difficulties. This is a common trait among fathers who wish to shield their families from their own struggles and keep them from worrying.
Through the lyrics, the writer expresses how much they miss their own fatherβs smile and wisdom. This signifies the hole that is left when a father figure passes away or is absent, and the emptiness that comes with not being able to hear their words of wisdom or seek their counsel in times of need. The words "Father I miss your wisdom" express a longing to once again hear their fatherβs wise words and guidance.
Overall, the song is a deep and heartfelt tribute to fathers everywhere, recognizing their hard work and the sacrifices they make for their families. It stresses the importance of never taking them for granted, appreciating them whilst we still have them and carrying on their legacy once they're gone.
Line by Line Meaning
Our father wearing a smile
Even though our father is experiencing pain, he puts on a smile to mask his emotions because he wishes to show humility
That's how humble people hide their pain
People who display humility often cover up their pain and struggles to avoid drawing attention to themselves
They just toil day in and day out
Despite dealing with their own hardships, humble people work hard every single day without complaining
Trying to keep us from starving
The main goal of a father and provider is to ensure that his family does not go hungry, and he will do everything within his power to make that happen
Father I miss your smile
I long to see my father's smile, which brought positivity and warmth to my life
Father I miss your wisdom
I also yearn for my father's counsel and guidance, which he shared with me throughout the years
Lyrics Β© O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@tebogomokgobimphahlele6118
Who else is still listening in January 2024... this jam is for lifeβ€
@ntsikisibiya5224
Came here after seeing that Simba chips add πa whole classic......
@paulinahango3762
I am hereβ€
@Xolani-Nkosi
Feb πβ€
@emeldaholyn5160
Iβm here in Feb!!!πππ
@rankobaoffice5760
I am here in Mmopane Botswana
@nqobilefakudze149
Literally here because of this new Simba advertππ€π½
@balisindlovu4915
β€
@pamellatiripano8641
Me tooo
@LindokuhleMlindwana-gd4nk
Been searching for this song for almost my entire lifeπ© my uncle used to play it when I was about seven years. Until SimbaChips played this song in the background of their advert