Go Back
Caiphus Semenya
First Name: 
Last Name: 
Stage Name: 
Country: 
Born: 
Primary Language: 

Participations

60
Songwriter
23
Producer
2
Co-Performer
1
Pianist
1
Background Singer
1
Arranger
1
Composer
Bio
Caiphus Semenya is a South African musical director versatile composer and arranger who left his home country in the 1960s and settled in Los Angeles. He collaborated with jazz and pop artists like Lou Rawls and Cannonball Adderley, in addition to working with other African artists such as Hugh Masekela and Miriam Makeba. Semenya's collaboration with Quincy Jones was particularly noteworthy, as he contributed African compositions for the scores of Roots, The Color Purple, and The Lion King. After returning to South Africa in 1990, Semenya composed scores for several television series, and he continues to work in music in a variety of capacities, including with his wife, vocalist Letta Mbulu, as "Caiphus & Letta". He's an executive producer for Quincy Jones' Qradio website.
Discography
Albums7
Listen to the Wind
Listen to the Wind2020 • AlbumTracks: 6
The Essentials
The Essentials2017 • AlbumTracks: 14
Live at Carnival City
Live at Carnival City2011 • AlbumTracks: 12
Collections
Collections2007 • AlbumTracks: 10
The Very Best of Caiphus Semenya
The Very Best of Caiphus Semenya1996 • AlbumTracks: 10
Woman Got a Right to Be
Woman Got a Right to Be1996 • albumTracks: 10
Taste of Caiphus Semenya
Taste of Caiphus SemenyaNaN • AlbumTracks: 12
Label
Record Label associated with Caiphus Semenya - past and current.
    Similar Artists
    Nayanka Bell
    Nayanka BellIvory Coast |1963| French
    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Phasellus at magna erat. Integer sed dignissim mauris. Sed egestas nec elit id blandit. Vivamus vitae mattis risus, tincidunt hendrerit sem. Curabitur maximus, arcu ut hendrerit dictum, turpis velit iaculis felis, vitae tempus tortor dui nec enim. Pellentesque eget tellus at sem feugiat fringilla et eu tortor. Nam iaculis leo quis nibh pretium, a volutpat nisi pulvinar.
    Lucky Dube
    Lucky DubeSouth Africa |1964| English
    Lucky Philip Dube, popularly known as Lucky Dube, was a South African reggae artist who rose to prominence in the 1980s, using his music to address the struggles of apartheid-era South Africa. With influences from reggae legends like Bob Marley, Dube's powerful lyrics and unique blend of reggae and African rhythms gained international acclaim. Beyond his musical success, he advocated for social justice and unity. Tragically, he was killed in a carjacking in 2007. Dube's legacy as a pioneer of South African reggae and his commitment to using music as a force for change continue to inspire fans worldwide.
    Judith Sephuma
    Judith SephumaSouth Africa |1974| isiZulu
    Judith Sephuma is a multi-award-winning jazz, afro-soul and gospel singer and musician from South Africa. She studied Jazz Vocals for her first degree at the University and became an accomplished musician, winning the "The Best Jazz Vocalist" in 1999,which marked the beginning of her successful music career. Over the years, Sephuma has released several successful albums such as "One Word”, “My Worship Live”, and “A Cry, A smile, A Dance” which is a triple platinum selling album. She has won numerous awards, she has also collaborated with other top musicians in South Africa. Today, Judith Sephuma is widely regarded as one of South Africa's most prominent and accomplished vocalists, with a career spanning more than two decades.
    Ayo Solanke
    Ayo SolankeNigeria |1920| English
    Ayo Solanke, is a vibrant and dynamic jazz and soul saxophonist, who has emerged as a prominent figure in African music. His journey began in 1997 while studying Mechanical Engineering at the University of Lagos, Nigeria, when he discovered his love for the saxophone. Ayo's unwavering passion propelled him to become a virtuoso performer, captivating audiences far and wide. Notable collaborations, such as the live DVD "Gospel According to Jazz Chapter IV" with Kirk Whalum, showcased his exceptional artistry and solidified his position in the industry. Ayo has recorded with esteemed artists and performed for influential figures worldwide. His infectious energy and soulful melodies leave a lasting legacy in the African music industry.
    Rachael Magoola
    Rachael MagoolaUganda |1966| Swahili
    Rachael Magoola is a Ugandan singer, songwriter, dancer, and politician. She is one of the members of the Afrigo Band. In the 2021 general election, she was elected to Parliament as the women's representative in Bugweri District for the National Resistance Movement. Magoola’s musical journey started at home, where her father, the late Nicholas Magoola, was a music teacher at several colleges in eastern Uganda. As a young girl, she sang in the church choir and played musical instruments at home. In Senior Two, she was expelled from Tororo Girls School for performing in a band while on a school break.
    Johnny Clegg
    Johnny CleggSouth Africa |1959| Zulu
    Jonathan Paul Clegg, OBE OIS, was a remarkable South African musician, singer-songwriter, dancer, anthropologist, and anti-apartheid activist. Immersed in Zulu culture from a young age, he mastered the language, guitar, and dance styles. Clegg formed the iconic Juluka with Sipho Mchunu, blending African rhythms and Western influences. He celebrated and educated audiences about Zulu culture through his performances, incorporating humor and personal anecdotes. Despite opposition, Clegg's band Savuka achieved international success. He remained steadfast in his activism, even performing in apartheid-era South Africa. Clegg's impact went beyond music, and his protest song "Asimbonanga" became an anthem. He battled pancreatic cancer and performed his last concert in 2018, leaving a lasting legacy of music, scholarship, and social change.