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.
Where Did We Go Wrong
Stimela Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Tell me tell me, where did we go wrong? (ooh, huuh)
Tell me tell me, where did we go wrong? (oh, mama)
Tell me tell me, where did we go wrong?
You came into my life
Made me pick up all the pieces
Lit up my world when everything was turning dark
How can I make you see that you are my life?
The song that I sing won't mean anything to you
That's why I'm running.
You can't run very far my love will get you
You can't run very far my love will get you
You can't run very far my love will get you
You can't run very far my love will get you
Tell me, where did we go wrong?
Tell me, where did we go wrong?
Tell me, where did we go wrong?
Tell me, where did we go wrong?
I was inside of you, honey
Life was born in you for me
But you failed me
You failed me
When I thought I was growing
you stopped watering me
How can you say I don't understand
When you don't want to know me
My life is a book for you to read
Turn the next page and you will be surprised
To find that your name is written in my heart.
You can't run very far my love will get you (I can't run away).
You can't run very far my love will get you (I can't run away).
Tell me, where did we go wrong?
Tell me, where did we go wrong?
Tell me, where did we go wrong?
Tell me, where did we go wrong?
Stimela's song "Go On" is a heartfelt plea from one lover to another. The opening lines repeat the question "where did we go wrong?" suggesting that something has gone awry in their relationship. The lyrics then describe how the person being addressed brought light and color into the singer's life, but despite this, the relationship is failing. The singer expresses a hopelessness, recognizing that the other person does not seem to understand the depth of the singer's love, and that nothing the singer says will matter to the other person.
The song builds in intensity with the repetition of the phrase "you can't run very far, my love will get you" which seems to suggest that the singer is determined to hold on to the relationship, even if the other person would rather escape. The final lines speak again of a desire to understand what went wrong and renew the relationship, but the doubt and sadness in the singer's voice suggests that there is not much hope for reconciliation.
Overall, "Go On" is a powerful song about the complexities of love, loss, and heartbreak. It is a poignant reminder that even the most loving relationships can falter, and that sometimes even the most heartfelt pleas for reconciliation may not be enough to save them.
Line by Line Meaning
Tell me tell me, where did we go wrong?
Questioning where the relationship went wrong.
You came into my life
Made me pick up all the pieces
Lit up my world when everything was turning dark
Like a rainbow you brought colour into my life.
Expressing gratitude for the partner who brought light and color into the singer's life.
How can I make you see that you are my life?
The song that I sing won't mean anything to you
That's why I'm running.
Feeling frustrated and helpless in trying to communicate how important their partner is to them.
You can't run very far my love will get you
Asserting that the singer's love for their partner is strong and will find them no matter where they go.
I was inside of you, honey
Life was born in you for me
But you failed me
You failed me
When I thought I was growing
you stopped watering me
How can you say I don't understand
When you don't want to know me
My life is a book for you to read
Turn the next page and you will be surprised
To find that your name is written in my heart.
Feeling neglected and hurt by the partner's lack of attention and support in the relationship. Describing the value and depth of their love for the partner.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@kgcricket7771
The lady once suffered a house robbery, in the middle of the ordeal she started singing this song and the culprits asked her how she knew the song,she responded by telling them she is the one who sings alongside Stimela. The robbers immediately left the house without harming her and her family. Her name escapes me, Bra Ray, once told the story in one of his interviews.
@berthalesia7629
She's in the States now
@njabulozikhali4966
💔💔😔this music planders me in a plethora of emotions. I miss my step- father who raised me to be a man. Royal Mnikeni Nene. Each day I realize He was my real Dad, I see myself doing things and conducting life as He did. He never said I love yu boy, not a single day. Zuluness and arrogance factor. But after when he past on. I see his actions of saying I love yu boy, were louder than words. He constructed the idea in my head that I am Scientists. Today I hold 3 degrees: BSc Biochemistry and Microbiology, BSc Honors in Environmental Management and PGCE. Currently working on my Masters. Thank you Sthenjwa, may your soul rest in peace 🙏
@siwaphiwembatha1755
born in 2006 listening to this song😭😭...
other people: what you know about Stimela?
me: Roadtrips with dad, mom and uncles.
@user-ku7be8gd9r
I can relate
@tlaishegojoel5795
You're a young legend❤ you know good music
@user-zz8nw6rw9r
I so miss my dad he always played me this album when I came to visit,,,we would dance the whole day and night,,😭😭😭😭😭rip dad
@leratomanoto
Stimela was ahead of its time.
@mskhumalo5118
Kodwa aparteid passed in everything else except arts. This is masterpiece
@leratostevenpaseka9770
The Bass line on this song is just on another level...