Letta Mbulu
Letta Mbulu (born August 23, 1942, Soweto) is a legendary South African jazz singer known for her powerful voice, hopeful music, and exile in the U.S. due to apartheid, where she collaborated with greats like Harry Belafonte and Cannonball Adderley, sang for "Roots," and married fellow musician Caiphus Semenya before returning to a free South Africa. Her career blends African rhythms with jazz, earning her acclaim and a Lifetime Achievement Award, solidifying her status as an icon of hope and unity.
Born in Soweto, Mbulu's talent emerged early, leading her to join the touring musical King Kong as a teenager, where she met her future husband, Caiphus Semenya.
She briefly toured England before returning to South Africa, but apartheid policies forced her into exile in the U.S. in the mid-1960s. In New York, she connected with other South African exiles like Miriam Makeba and Hugh Masekela. Her career took off with tours alongside Cannonball Adderley and Harry Belafonte, becoming a significant musical partnership. She released several albums, including Letta Mbulu Sings and Free Soul.
Mbulu's voice graced the iconic TV series Roots (1977) and films like A Warm December (1973) and The Color Purple (1985). She also provided the Swahili chant for Michael Jackson's "Liberian Girl".
After 26 years in exile, Mbulu and Semenya returned to South Africa, where she became a founding member of the South African Artists United (SAAU). Her song "Not Yet Uhuru" became an anthem for liberation. She received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the South African Music Awards in 2001, recognizing her enduring influence.
Letta
Written-By – C. Semenya
4:51
A2 Use Mncane (Little One)
Written-By – L. Mbulu
3:27
A3 I Won't Weep No More
Written-By – C. Semenya, O. Drake
2:42
A4 You Touched Me
Written-By – C. Semenya, M. Dancy
3:41
A5 Melodi (Sounds Of Home)
Written-By – C. Semenya
4:29
B1 I Need Your Love
Written-By – C. Semenya, O. Drake
2:45
B2 Macongo
Written-By – H. Masekela
3:15
B3 What Shall I Do?
Written-By – H. Masekela
2:30
B4 Jigijela (Don't Throw Stones)
Written-By – C. Semenya
4:19
B5 Qonqoza (Knock)
Written-By – C. Semenya
3:39
Label: Chisa – CS 805
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1970
Genre: Soul, Blues, Folk
Style: Soul, African
Released in September 1970 on Chisa and directed by Hugh Masekela and Stewart Levine, Letta Mbulu's self-titled 1970 album is a critically acclaimed fusion of South African vocal traditions, soul, and pop/funk, often considered one of her best works. Featuring members of The Crusaders, it blends joyous, soulful tunes with politically charged, emotional songs.
The album is noted for its lush production, featuring a mix of Western soul/funk and African vocal styles, including tracks like the anthemic, danceable "I Can Depend On You".
Key Tracks: "Jigijela (Don't Throw Stones)": Described as an incredibly emotional song about township youths retaliating against apartheid forces; "Mahlalela (Lazy Bones)": A sensual opener; "Use Mncane (Little One)": A joyful, upbeat track.
The album features high-profile musicians, including Joe Sample (keyboards), Wilton Felder (bass/sax), Stix Hooper (drums), and guitarist Arthur Adams.
As a South African artist, Mbulu’s work is recognized for its authentic African vocal techniques, which were ahead of their time, bridging cultural styles.
While thre album failed to achieve major chart success at the time, it is highly regarded by critics and collectors as a "sublime" and "essential" piece of music.
The 1970 Letta album represents a peak for Mbulu, combining personal expression with sophisticated arrangements, making it a sought-after, influential, and powerful, emotionally resonant, and culturally significant album.
Naturally
Written-By – Semenya, Henderson 3:31
A2 Learn To Love
Written-By – Semenya, Mbulu, Henderson 3:33
A3 Noma Themba
Written-By – Semenya, Mbulu 3:28
A4 Kube
Written-By – Semenya 3:17
A5 Hareje
Written-By – Semenya 4:06
B1 Never Leave You
Written-By – Semenya 4:05
B2 Now We May Begin
Written-By – Joe Sample 3:35
B3 Saddest Day
Written-By – Semenya 5:00
B4 Setho
Written-By – Henderson 4:20
B5 Zimkile
Written-By – Semenya 3:15
Label: Fantasy – F-9428
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1973
Genre: R&B Jazz, Funk, Soul
Style: Afro Soul-Jazz, Jazz-Funk
Letta Mbulu's Naturally (1973) is a celebrated Afro-Funk/Soul album praised for Mbulu's powerful voice, blending South African sounds with American funk, thanks to production by her husband Caiphus Semenya and features from jazz legends Cannonball Adderley and Nat Adderley. Reviews highlight its thrilling openers like "Afro Texas," soulful ballads, and a distinctive mix of African rhythms and smooth 70s production, making it a standout rediscovery of classic South African soul.
The album masterfully combines Letta Mbulu's vibrant South African roots with American funk, soul, and jazz, a sound often compared to an African Aretha Franklin.
The presence of jazz giants Cannonball Adderley (alto sax) and his brother Nat Adderley (cornet) brings sophisticated jazz textures, notes Ace Records.
Produced by her husband Caiphus Semenya (also a key figure in the South African music scene), with contributions from members of The Crusaders (like Joe Sample and Stix Hooper), the album boasts rich brass, tight rhythms, and soulful expression.
Mbulu's "extraordinary voice" is a central feature, shining on both upbeat funk tracks and poignant ballads like "Saddest Day".
Naturally is considered a classic, rediscovered through reissues (like BGP's 2010 release) for its timeless quality. Many listeners discover Mbulu through this album, appreciating its blend of cultural sounds and sophisticated musicianship.
It's seen as a significant record in Mbulu's career, showcasing her talent as an exile from apartheid and her ability to create exceptional music.
In summary, Naturally is a highly recommended, soulful, and funky album that bridges African heritage with American jazz and soul, propelled by Letta Mbulu's powerful vocals and special guest appearances from the Adderley brothers, making it a must-listen for fans of classic soul and jazz fusion.