Led by the soulful singer/guitarist (and collaborator on Paul Simon's Graceland) Ray Phiri, Stimela (Zulu for "steam train") have been a dependably funky South African fixture since 1982, when they formed from the merger of popular '70s groups The Cannibals and The Movers. Their bright sound, rich in harmony, combines South African township and mbaqanga with the best of jazz, soul, gospel, and rock. Some of their singles were once banned on South African radio for anti-apartheid lyrics—proof, perhaps, of the power of the band's sleek, tough music, which has always been a hit on the street.