Letta Mbulu

Letta Mbulu (born 24 September 1942) is a South African jazz singer who has been active since the 1960s.

Biography Born and raised in Soweto, South Africa, Letta Mbulu has been active as a singer since the 1960s. Early in her career she sang with the all-women South African musical group The Skylarks. While still a teenager, she toured with the all-African musical King Kong and she was a guest on a Season 6 episode of Soul Train. Mbulu also provided the Swahili chant in Michael Jackson's single "Liberian Girl". Producer Quincy Jones said of her: "Mbulu is the roots lady, projecting a sophistication and warmth which stirs hope for attaining pure love, beauty, and unity in the world."

Personal life Mbulu is married to musician Caiphus Semenya.

As the apartheid regime categorised, discriminated against and abused South Africa's non-white population in the 1960s, Mbulu went to the United States, where, in exile, she continued to pursue music. She toured with jazz alto saxophonist Cannonball Adderley, and also went on to join forces with American singer Harry Belafonte. Together they went on several world tours. Her main musical influences became folk, American Jazz and Brazilian music.

Awards 2001: South African Music Award for lifetime achievement. 2018: Mzantsi Jazz Award for her lifetime achievement.

Discography Letta Mbulu Sings (Capitol, 1967) Free Soul (Capitol, 1968) Letta (Chisa, 1970) Naturally (Fantasy, 1972) There's Music in the Air (A&M, 1976) Letta (A&M, 1977) Letta Mbulu – Gold (A&M, 1978) Sound of a Rainbow (CBS, 1980) Letta Mbulu – Sweet juju (Morning, 1985) The Best of Letta & Caiphus (Columbia, 1996) Greatest Hits (Columbia, 1999) Letta Mbulu Sings/Free Soul (Stateside, 2005) Culani Nami (Sony, 2007)

With Quincy Jones Roots (A&M, 1977)