Stimela, is a South African band which emerged as an afrofusion ensemble in the 1980s under the leadership of guitarist Ray Phiri best known for his collaboration on Paul Simon's Graceland and The Rhythm of the Saints, albums.
Ray Phiri assumed leadership of the band,as a guitarist, handling songwriting and frequently taking on lead vocals.
[8][7] Subsequently, the band underwent expansion with the addition of new members Charlie "Sam" Ndlovu, Nana Coyote, Thapelo Kgomo, Jacob "Mparanyana" Radebe and Ntokozo Zungu.
[citation needed] The band's name transitioned to Stimela following a transformative event in Mozambique, where they found themselves stranded in Maputo for three months.
Forced to sell all their possessions to afford a train journey back home, this experience became pivotal as it inspired the band's new name, Stimela.