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

Friday, August 04, 2017

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.

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