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.
Who's Fooling Who
Stimela Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Who's fooling a-who
Hi gents (Hi gents)
I say (I say)
Who's fooling a-who
Who's fooling a-who
Are you fooling a-me?
Ol I'm fooling a-you?
Ol I'm fooling a-you?
I say (I say)
Who's fooling a-me?
Who's fooling a-me?
Are you fooling a-me?
Are you fooling a-me?
Ol I'm fooling a-you?
Ol I'm fooling a-you?
What is a man?
What is a man?
A man is a lolling stone
A man is a lolling stone
What is a woman?
What is a woman?
A woman is a gilayinding stone
A woman is a gilayinding stone
Shut up! (Shut up!)
Speak up! (Speak up!)
You see?(You see?)
If you are a rolling stone
You'll roll and roll and roll and roll
Whenever you stop
The grinding stone will come and fix you
It will fix you and grind you into a pulp
The song "Who's Fooling Who" by South African group Stimela features repeated questions of who is fooling whom, and the lyrics go on to explore the role of men and women in society. The opening lines of the song repeat the central question, "Who's fooling a-who?" suggesting that somebody is being deceived. The lyrics then move to explore the nature of men and women using the metaphor of stones. Men are described as "lolling stones" while women are "gilayinding stones."
The metaphor of the rolling and grinding stones suggests that men are free to roam and enjoy their lives while women are more confined and must work hard, grinding the stones to create flour for food. The lyrics suggest that the two genders are complementary and interdependent but are also locked in a struggle for power and control.
The song raises important issues of gender roles, power dynamics, and deception in relationships. By framing these issues through the metaphor of stones, the lyrics create a vivid and memorable image that invites deeper reflection on the nature of human relationships.
Line by Line Meaning
Who's fooling a-who
Who is deceiving who?
Hi gents (Hi gents) I say (I say)
Greetings, gentlemen
Are you fooling a-me? Ol I'm fooling a-you? I say (I say)
Are you deceiving me? Or am I deceiving you? That is the question
What is a man? A man is a lolling stone
What is a man? A man is a restless wanderer
What is a woman? A woman is a gilayinding stone
What is a woman? A woman is a grinding stone
Shut up! (Shut up!) Speak up! (Speak up!) You see?(You see?)
Be quiet! Speak clearly! Do you understand?
If you are a rolling stone You'll roll and roll and roll and roll
If you are restless, you will keep moving
Whenever you stop The grinding stone will come and fix you It will fix you and grind you into a pulp
When you finally settle down, life's challenges will catch up to you and may break you down completely
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@MrBeekay12
Haha 😂 haha just came across this song after 30+ years classic
@MyMolefe
My song...a song I hunted for close to 30 years. Thanks for sharing
@ducksinarowpatience3670
Same
@brightmaphumulo8602
Wow just wow heard the song sometime back been looking for it thanks for sharing #2022
@auzizziaufifi36
My life right now, I sleep on the floor
@limbanimagomero6588
I've been hunting this song for years
@holylady1000
Oh wow.......South Africa is rich in music 🤣🤣🤣🤣
@thembangwenya6251
One of the funniest songs ever! Thank you!
@Hasu30
1 January 2022
@debstepuxam2337
Thank you so much for uploading! I've been looking for this song for years!