The unique sounds of Ray Phiri's Stimela are showcased on this gem of a 12" EP from 1986. It was originally released only in South Africa on Gallo / CBS Records, although a 12" featuring the track 'I Hate Telling A Lie' was previously released on Plum Records in 1983. It has now become a sought-after item due to it's addictive and original-sounding Balearic disco / cosmic boogie-esque nature.Stimela were a popular and successful Mbaquanga / fusion outfit led by the guitarist, vocalist, songwriter, producer and arranger Ray Phiri; who was previously a member of the legendary band The Cannibals. The musicians would go on to gain global fame after featuring on Paul Simon's iconic 'Graceland' album and the mega tour that followed. Kicking off the EP is a magical track that floored us from the first moment we heard it and one that has since become a Mr Bongo firm favourite. 'I Hate Telling A Lie' is a slow, infectious building groove that sits somewhere between lowdown jazz-funk, soul, reggae and gospel with shades of new wave pop and Balearic. It's a truly stunning track that is hard to pigeonhole and all the better for it. Another highlight from the EP is the monster instrumental, synth-boogie sound of 'I Love You'; championed by DJs such as Jeremy Spellacey (Crown Ruler). This hypnotic groove bubbles to perfection and is a slo-mo chugger extraordinaire. We hope you dig it as much as we do.
Release date:
August 7, 2022
Label:
Install our app to receive notifications when new upcoming releases are added.

Recommended equipment and accessories
-
Denon DP-400
Featuring a high-precision, belt-driven mechanism and an adjustable tonearm that ensures optimal tracking and minimal resonance
-
Audioengine A2 Plus
Precision-engineered 2.75-inch woofers and a 0.75-inch silk dome tweeter, featuring built-in DAC and Bluetooth connectivity for seamless integration.
-
Cartridges - Top Picks
A selection of turnatble cartridges that provide great performance and sound quality
-
Ortofon 2M Blue Premounted
Mounted on the SH-4 Black Headshell, this setup delivers exceptional clarity, dynamic range, and accurate sound reproduction.
-
Turntables - Top Picks
A selection of reliable record players you can buy today, for every budget
Featured Upcoming Vinyl
-
Phil Collins No Jacket Required [4xLP]
Rhino Records
September 12, 2025 -
Ups and Downs Stained Glass Memories (Random: Red, Yellow Or Blue)
Basket Case Records
July 25, 2025 -
Brent Cobb Ain't Rocked in a While
Ol Buddy Records
July 11, 2025 -
Igorrr Amen
Metal Blade
September 19, 2025 -
KAROL G Tropicoqueta (Tangerine) (Amazon Exclusive) [2xLP]
Bichota Records/Interscope
September 26, 2025 -
Incite Savage New Times
Reigning Phoenix Music America, LLC
August 15, 2025 -
Golomb The Beat Goes on
No Quarter
July 25, 2025 -
Florence + The Machine How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful (Blue Marble) [2xLP]
Republic Records
August 29, 2025 -
Grinderman Grinderman 2 RMX Eco [2xLP]
Bmg
July 18, 2025 -
Orianthi Some Kind of Feeling
WOODWARD AVENUE RECORDS
September 19, 2025 -
Bryan Adams BYRAN ADAMS / ROLL WITH THE PUNCHES
BAD RECORDS
September 5, 2025 -
Teethe Magic of the Sale
Winspear
August 8, 2025 -
Grinderman Grinderman 2 Eco
Bmg
July 18, 2025 -
Good Charlotte Motel Du Cap
Atlantic
August 8, 2025