A family spokesperson has confirmed that legendary jazz artist Ray Phiri has died.
News that Phiri was diagnosed with lung cancer was revealed this week when longtime friend and former bandmate Richard Mitchell shared that the musician had exhausted his medical aid funds.
He was being treated at the Nelspruit Mediclinic in Mpumalanga where he pleaded for privacy and indicated that his condition was under control.
According to Eyewitness News, family spokesperson Paul Nkanyane says they are devastated.
Nkanyane says Phiri was struggling, but unfortunately there was nothing they could do anymore.
#RayPhiri Nkanyane: He has been bad for the last few days. I spoke to him on Monday.
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) July 12, 2017
Singer Ringo Madlongozi says Phiri asked for privacy because he did not want anyone to worry about him.
It is sad that we have to wake up to this news. When I heard he was sick...Ray is very private, he doesn't want anyone to be worried about him.
— Ringo Madlingozi, singer
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