Sihle Mavuso

Legendary jazz musician and composer Caiphus Semenya revealed that he plans to retire this year after 40 years in the music industry.

Semenya said he will focus more on producing other artists.

“If plans allow me to do so, I will retire this year from singing, composing and live performances.

“It won’t be easy but I will have to do it. I have been in the music scene for so long now.”

Semenya said it was difficult to choose his favourite songs of all time but settled on three he said personified his best work yet.

“Actually my secret to success has been trumpeted by paying attention to every production I undertake. ‘Nomalizo’, ‘Matswale’ and ‘Ziphi’nkomo’ are my best.”

As a composer and arranger Semenya has done some reputable work, which included regular collaborations with Quincy Jones.

He composed all the African music for Alex Hayley’s Roots, parts 1 and 2, and also the African music for the Steven Spielberg’s The Colour Purple, which earned him an Oscar nomination. – additional reporting Zwelakhe Shangase

provinces@thenewage.co.za