On the road with Uncle John and Ausi Sonti to bury Ray Phiri (Pt II)

Ray Phiri performing in Gaborone in 2015 at the Hamptons Jazz Festival PIC: THALEFANG CHARLES
Ray Phiri performing in Gaborone in 2015 at the Hamptons Jazz Festival PIC: THALEFANG CHARLES

The student was still learning music at this point in hilife and when his dad came over from Francistown or they visited home over the holidays he would listen, watch and absorb as much as he could.

Then the mighty Franco Makiadia and his  group OK Jazz came on tour. Other big names from Zaire including Johnny Bokello also came to Bulawayo  and  the young  John hung around, watched, listened and learnt.

Surrounded by music, he was rapidly acquiring proficiency in his chosen instrument. Soon he outgrew the teenage band and joined his cousin who led the Golden Rhythm Crooners, a band  that  backed  Dorothy Masuku.

Editor's Comment
Human rights are sacred

It highlights the need to protect rights such as access to clean water, education, healthcare and freedom of expression.President Duma Boko, rightly honours past interventions from securing a dignified burial for Gaoberekwe Pitseng in the CKGR to promoting linguistic inclusion. Yet, they also expose a critical truth, that a nation cannot sustainably protect its people through ad hoc acts of compassion alone.It is time for both government and the...

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