Remembering Danny Harris, the Durban guitarist behind The Raiders
Danny Harris, a founding member and lead guitarist of The Raiders, has been remembered for his contribution to Durban’s music scene and South African popular music.
Danny Harris, the founder and former lead guitarist of the iconic 1960s dance band The Raiders, passed away in Durban on Thursday at the age of 82. Harris, who started performing publicly at the age of 14, successfully adapted the British "Beat" generation sound for local audiences, creating a unique fusion of Rock and Roll, Rhythm and Blues, and South African langarm repertory.
The Raiders' hit, "Chez Gaye Kwela," became the soundtrack to countless New Year's Eve parties for Indian South Africans over the next five decades. After leaving the stage in his mid-thirties due to frustration with the industry, Harris turned to gospel music and continued performing at religious functions until his death in 2023.
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