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
Discography not yet available. Check later.
Label
Record Label associated with Caiphus Semenya - past and current.
    Similar Artists
    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.
    Burning Spear
    Burning SpearJamaica |1945| English - Pidgin
    Burning Spear, born Winston Rodney, is a Jamaican roots reggae singer whose music reflects Rastafarian beliefs and black liberation themes. In the late 1960s, he formed his own band, the Burning Spears. He has a number of critically acclaimed albums to his credit, including "Marcus Garvey" and "Man in the Hills," and has won two Grammy Awards for Best Reggae Album. Burning Spear still tours till date, and his music remains influential in reggae and social justice.
    Aura Lewis
    Aura LewisSouth Africa |1947| Afrikaans
    Aura Lewis, was an African musician and community activist with a unique life path. Born in South Africa, her family fled apartheid and moved through several African countries. She later moved to New York and became involved in the civil rights movement. In Jamaica, Lewis toured with Jimmy Cliff, recorded with Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry and Bob Marley and the Wailers, collaborated with Pamela Reid on vocal work, and other projects. After decades of exile, she returned to Johannesburg. Lewis died in 2015 after a stroke.
    Bongi Makeba
    Bongi MakebaSouth Africa |1950| English
    Angela Sibongile Makeba, better known as Bongi Makeba, was a South African singer and songwriter and the only child of the renowned singer and activist Miriam Makeba. As a teenager, Bongi started to sing and learned to play the guitar. In the early 1970s, Bongi embarked on her own musical career and released her debut album, "Blow on Wind," in 1980. The album was critically and commercially successful. Following this feat, she embarked on tours while also collaborating with her mother. Tragically, Bongi's promising career was cut short when she passed away in 1985. She is remembered for her beautiful voice and her commitment to social justice.
    Don Kikas
    Don KikasAngola |1974| Portuguese
    Emílio Camilo da Costa, better known as Don Kikas, is a celebrated Angolan singer who discovered his passion for music at an early age. Encouraged by his mother, he wrote his first song at just 8 years old and found success in local singing contests. His music journey began in Portuguese nightclubs at 18, leading to his debut album, "Sexy Baby," in 1995. He achieved recognition with subsequent releases like "Pura Sedução" in 1997 and "Xeque Mate" in 1999, earning awards and gold sales. Don Kikas continued to expand his musical horizons with albums like "Viagem" in 2005, collaborating with international artists and showcasing diverse styles. His impact made him a prominent Angolan kizomba musician by 2011.
    Angélique Kidjo
    Angélique KidjoBenin |1960| Fon
    Mononymously known as Angelique Kidjo, she is a multi-lingual Grammy Award-winning singer, actress, and activist from Benin. She started singing as a child and gained notoriety in 1981 after the release of her debut album. She has since performed on the global scene with prestigious artists across the world. She has recorded more than 15 albums to her name, has been featured in television shows, and has remained evergreen in the entertainment industry.
    Heinz Winckler
    Heinz WincklerSouth Africa |1978| English
    Heinz Carl Winckler is a prominent South Africa musician and singer-songwriter. He rose to fame as the winner of the first season of South African Idols, a popular singing competition show. After his victory on Idols, Winckler released his debut single "Once In A Lifetime," which became a massive hit and went double platinum in South Africa, selling over 100,000 copies. His first album, "One Step Closer," featured this hit song, as well as other popular tracks like "Soledad," a cover of the Westlife song he performed during Idols, and "Next Stop Happiness," which also became a single. Asides from music, Winckler is the lead pastor of LoveKey Church and he's also a worship leader. Winckler remains a well-known figure in South Africa's entertainment industry.