A legend dies – RIP Ray Phiri

Legendary jazz musician Ray Phiri has passed away. The veteran has suffered from lung cancer and sadly passed in the early hours of this morning at a hospital in his hometown, Mpumalanga.

Messages of condolences have been pouring in on social media since the family announced the news. Here are just a few.

Lala ngoxolo tata.

#riprayphiri

A post shared by Phumzile Saleni (@thasaleni) on Jul 12, 2017 at 12:03am PDT

In 1994 I met papa Ray and he was wearing gorgeous black boots. I asked him what they were. He said Prada. That was my first intro to fashion. His fashion sense was on another. #riprayray

A post shared by Somizi (@somizi) on Jul 11, 2017 at 11:37pm PDT

Very sad to wake up to news of Ray Phiri’s passing. Worked on two gigs he performed at a few months ago. So vital, fresh and energetic for his age. It’s shocking. Condolences to all who loved him.

A post shared by Maria McCloy (@mariamccloy) on Jul 11, 2017 at 11:17pm PDT

Damn ?… #RIPRayPhiri

A post shared by Ndumiso ? Lindi (@roosta27) on Jul 11, 2017 at 11:59pm PDT

“Death is the last chapter in time, but the first chapter in Eternity.” Rest in perfect peace, Ntate Phiri!❤️ #RIPRayPhiri pic.twitter.com/ls0qWhZTUh

— Boity Thulo (@Boity) July 12, 2017

My heart is painful. What a gentle pure soul. I’m gonna miss you Baba. #riprayphiri #RayPhiri

A post shared by Nomsa Mazwai (@nomisupasta) on Jul 11, 2017 at 11:08pm PDT

Rest in power Bra Ray Phiri. Thank for the music & the memories. The King is gone. Long live the King! #RIPRayPhiri pic.twitter.com/15J4755S8t

— Clayson Monyela (@ClaysonMonyela) July 12, 2017

To the Legend RAY PHIRI. Thank you for everything that you have done for us,giving us beautiful jazz music. We salute and thank you #RIPRayPhiri

A post shared by The Soil (@thesoilmusic) on Jul 11, 2017 at 11:31pm PDT

Lala Ngoxolo Baba Ray Phiri??.. You put my home town Nelspruit on the map with your talent??.. You were dearly loved? RIP Mr. Ray Phiri ??? pic.twitter.com/4ybOlnwOeM

— Uyanda Mbuli (@UyandaM) July 12, 2017

When the stage lights go off you remain shinning ???????????? #RIPRayPhiri

A post shared by Wanda Baloyi aka Queen Choco (@wandabaloyi) on Jul 12, 2017 at 12:03am PDT

Growing up in Diepkloof Soweto in the 80’s, Stimela blaring through sound systems from house to house was part and parcel of every day life. Bra Ray’s and Bra Nana Coyote’s song writing prowess inspired me to one day also make the ghetto move like they did and still do. #RIPCHIKAPA

A post shared by KabeloMabalane (@kabelomabalane) on Jul 11, 2017 at 11:33pm PDT

Thank you #RIPRayPhiri ❤️

A post shared by nandi_madida (@nandi_madida) on Jul 11, 2017 at 11:14pm PDT

We spoke of working together soon… now I can only make you proud as a musician. Your legacy has touched so many of us. I’m glad to know that I amongst many Africans celebrated you when you were still alive and will continue to celebrate you. To a pioneer, true talent and artist. Thank you for the Love, Light and Music Bab Ray Phiri. ??

A post shared by Love,Light&Music2 ALBUM (@zakesbantwini) on Jul 11, 2017 at 11:48pm PDT

‪Ntate #RayPhiri graciously allowed me to remake 1 of his songs & we performed it together on numerous occasions. May his soul Rest In Peace and my condolences to his family & friends. ‬

A post shared by ProVerbMusic (@proverbmusic) on Jul 11, 2017 at 11:08pm PDT

… legendary. #RIPRayPhiri

A post shared by #GOLOKOQO (@c_livedj) on Jul 11, 2017 at 10:58pm PDT

Bra Ray Phiri. A fountain of knowledge. Very in touch with SA politics. A soft hearted and loving man. A talent unsurpassed. Composer extraordinaire. Always ready with a smile. A humble man who I thought had the keys to the fountain of youth. I thought he’d outlive us all. He gave all of himself to the music and to us. I hope he’s flying with the angels. Lala kahle Bra Ray ???

A post shared by Simphiwe Dana ??? (@simphiwedana) on Jul 11, 2017 at 11:13pm PDT

I can’t hear the music, my tears are drowning it out. Rest well Beloved. Thank you for the music, the wisdom the guidance. We love you Ray. ??????????

A post shared by Florence Masebe (@flomasebe) on Jul 12, 2017 at 12:04am PDT

Go well legend. You did it like no one else could! Salute!#RIPRayPhiri ???

A post shared by Mmabatho Montsho (@montshotheblack) on Jul 11, 2017 at 11:42pm PDT

Damn ?… #RIPRayPhiri

A post shared by Ndumiso ? Lindi (@roosta27) on Jul 11, 2017 at 11:59pm PDT