CAIPHUS SEMENYA


Producer, director, compose and singer Caiphus Semenya is one of South Africa most highly regarded talents both locally and abroad. He has written music scores for several television series and has recorded, produced and written music for several artists. Caiphus went into exile in the 1960's with his wife, singer Letta Mbulu, in the USA he worked with Hugh Masekela, Jonas Gwangwa, and Miriam Makeba as well as with top American artists and producers. His compositions were performed by Cannonball Adderley, Harry Belafonte, The Crusaders, Lou Rawls, and Nina Simone, amongst others.

Caiphus composed the African music for Alex Hayley's Roots I and Roots II. On numerous occasions he collaborated in musical projects with long time friend Quincy Jones. Caiphus composed several tracks on Quincy Jones' album Back on the Block as well as the melody for the title track, which received a Grammy Award for Album of the Year in 1995, he also composed music for the Steven Spielberg and Quincy Jones' film Colour Purple.

Caiphus performed in and arranged the famous production BUWA, which toured Africa and Europe in the 80's. In 1989 Caiphus directed the South African component of the Wembley Stadium Nelson Mandela Tribute concert. He returned from exile in 1990, and in 1991 headlined the Unity concert at FNB Stadium. South Africans know Caiphus for his performances with Letta Mbulu. He has performed at the Africa Night at Montreux Jazz Festival, a sold out series at Sun City, and numerous open-air concerts. In 1995 he released Woman's Got a Right to Be.