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.
Zantinti
Stimela Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I see my grandi mother sittingi
Every morningi when I look-u
I hear my grandi mother complaining
Hi Maria
Utekile fori lagogwana
I hear my grandi mother askingi the same kweshini
Who took-u my sinaffu?
Who took-u my sinaffu?
Who took-u my sinaffu?
Who took-u my sinaffu?
Hi Maria langa ibafole
Ra kokwana zantinti
Hi Maria langa ibafole
Ra kokwana zantinti
Hi Maria langa ibafole
Ra kokwana zantinti
Hi Maria langa ibafole
Ra kokwana zantinti
Hi Maria laka ibafole
Ra kokwana zantinti
Eh Maria
Why are you so naughty man
Utekelani afori la kokwana Zantinti
You are so naughty my likkle gal
It's lovely to watch but not-i to touch
Every morning I hear the same kwesheni
Every morning I hear the same kwesheni
Who took-u my sinaffu?
Who took-u my sinaffu?
Who took-u my sinaffu?
Who took-u my sinaffu?
Who took-u my sinaffu?
Eh Maria
Anga ibafole
Ra kokwana zantinti
Eh Maria
Hi Maria langa hi bafole
Ra kokwana zantinti
Hi Maria langa ibafole
Ra kokwana zantinti
Hi Maria langa ibafole
Ra kokwana zantinti
Hi Maria langa ibafole
Ra kokwana zantinti
The lyrics of Stimela's "Zantinti" talk about the singer's relationship with his grandmother, who he sees every morning when he wakes up. The grandmother is always complaining and asking the same question: who took her sinaffu? The repetition of this question creates a sense of frustration and longing for something that has been lost. The singer acknowledges that his grandmother can be naughty, but watching her is lovely even if not to touch. The song's title "Zantinti" refers to the village where the singer and his grandmother come from.
The song's lyrics are simple, but they portray a deep relationship between the singer and his grandmother. The repetition of the question "Who took my sinaffu?" shows how the grandmother's loss has become a daily routine, and it also suggests a loss of memory or identity. The line "It's lovely to watch but not to touch" shows the singer's affection for his grandmother even though she can be difficult to deal with. The song's title might refer to the cultural significance of the word Zantinti in the village where the singer and his grandmother come from.
Line by Line Meaning
Every morning when I wake up-u
Every day, when I wake up from my sleep,
I see my grandi mother sittingi
I see my grandmother sitting there,
Every morning when I look-u
Every day, when I look around,
I hear my grandi mother complaining
I hear my grandmother complaining about something,
Hi Maria
A greeting to someone called Maria,
Utekile fori lagogwana
You are like a child who is difficult to control,
I hear my grandi mother askingi the same kweshini
I hear my grandmother asking the same question,
Who took-u my sinaffu?
Who has taken my valuable possession?
Hi Maria langa ibafole
Hello, Maria, my child,
Ra kokwana zantinti
You are mischievous and playful,
Hi Maria laka ibafole
Hello, Maria, my little child,
Eh Maria
Expression of surprise or frustration towards Maria,
Why are you so naughty man
Why are you acting so naughty,
Utekelani afori la kokwana Zantinti
You behave like a mischievous child named Zantinti,
You are so naughty my likkle gal
You are very mischievous, my little girl,
It's lovely to watch but not-i to touch
It is interesting to observe but not easy to control,
Anga ibafole
My child,
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: RAY PHIRI
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Mpho
on See the World (Through the Eyes of a Child)
Love this song too much but never had an opportunity to know the rest of the message. i attended most of Stimela's concerts and this song has a special place in my heart. Thank you for sharing this message. ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Nkini Moeng
on Zwakala (Come to Me)
I LOVE THE SONG VERY MUCH COULD YOU PLEASE ADD THE LYRICS.