Letta Mbulu Biography: Husband, Age, Songs, Albums, Net Worth, Parents, Career

Letta Mbulu is a legendary South African jazz and soul singer, songwriter, and actress whose soulful voice and fusion of African rhythms with jazz and pop have captivated global audiences since the 1960s.

Born on August 23, 1942, in Soweto, she overcame apartheid’s constraints to become an international icon, collaborating with luminaries like Miriam Makeba, Hugh Masekela, and Quincy Jones.

Her music, infused with hope and resilience, remains a testament to her enduring legacy.

Profile

• Full Name: Letta Nontokozo Mbulu
• Stage Name: Letta Mbulu
• Born: August 23, 1942
• Age: 82 years old
• Birthplace: Soweto, Johannesburg, South Africa
• Nationality: South African
• Occupation: South African Singer, Songwriter, and Actress
• Height: Unknown
• Parents: Mr. and Mrs. Mbulu
• Siblings: Unknown
• Spouse: Caiphus Semenya (m. 1963)
• Children: Two (names not publicly disclosed)
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $1 million

Early Life and Education

Letta Mbulu was born on August 23, 1942, in Soweto, Johannesburg, South Africa, into the Xhosa tribe. Raised in a vibrant community rich with musical traditions, she was nurtured by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Mbulu, who encouraged her early talent.

Growing up during apartheid, she faced systemic oppression but found solace in music, singing in church choirs and local groups. Her formal education details are scarce, as her career took precedence in her teens.

At 17, she joined the cast of King Kong, a groundbreaking South African musical, which launched her into the spotlight. Her ethnicity is South African, and she practices Christianity.

Career

Letta Mbulu, a celebrated singer and songwriter, began her professional journey in the late 1950s with King Kong, touring South Africa and London. In 1964, due to apartheid’s restrictions, she went into exile in the United States, settling in New York City.

There, she connected with fellow South African exiles Miriam Makeba, Hugh Masekela, and Jonas Gwangwa, forming lifelong collaborations. She toured with jazz saxophonist Cannonball Adderley and joined Harry Belafonte for multiple world tours, blending folk, jazz, and Brazilian influences.

Her debut album, Letta Mbulu Sings (1967), marked her arrival, followed by albums like Letta (1970), Naturally (1972), and There’s Music in the Air (1976).

In the 1980s, she gained international fame with In the Music the Village Never Ends (1983), featuring hits like “Nomalizo.” Her vocals graced Michael Jackson’s “Liberian Girl” (1987) and soundtracks for Roots (1977), The Color Purple (1985), and A Warm December (1973).

Returning to South Africa in 1991 after apartheid’s end, she performed at the Unity Festival and released Not Yet Uhuru (1992), her first studio album recorded on South African soil. Mbulu co-founded South African Artists United (SAAU) in 1986 to promote African music.

Recent releases, like Music in the Air (Live in Concert) with her husband, Caiphus Semenya, highlight her enduring artistry.

Social Media

• Facebook Handle: Letta Mbulu

Personal Life

Letta Mbulu, an iconic singer and songwriter, was born and raised in Soweto, South Africa. She married fellow musician Caiphus Semenya in 1963, whom she met during the King Kong tour.

The couple, who share two children, collaborated extensively, producing timeless music together. Exiled to the U.S. from 1964 to 1991, they faced apartheid’s challenges but remained committed to their art and activism.

Now residing in South Africa, Mbulu continues to inspire through performances and mentorship. Her resilience was evident during her exile, where she balanced family and a global career.

She remains a private figure, focusing on her music and cultural advocacy. In 2018, fans celebrated her 76th birthday, noting her anti-apartheid activism.

Filmography

• Roots (1977, TV miniseries) – Soundtrack vocals
• A Warm December (1973) – Soundtrack vocals
• The Color Purple (1985) – Soundtrack vocals
• Transamerica (2005) – Soundtrack vocals
• Soul Train (Season 6, guest appearance, 1977)

Discography

• Letta Mbulu Sings (1967)
• Letta (1970)
• Naturally (1972)
• There’s Music in the Air (1976)
• Sound of a Rainbow (1980)
• In the Music the Village Never Ends (1983)
• The Essential (1987)
• Not Yet Uhuru (1992)
• Letta Mbulu Sings/Free Soul (2005)
• Music in the Air (Live in Concert) (with Caiphus Semenya, date unspecified)
• Notable singles: “Nomalizo,” “I Need Your Love,” “Buza,” “Everybody Sing Along,” “Mama Africa” (with Hugh Masekela)

Net Worth

Letta Mbulu, a trailblazing singer and songwriter, has an estimated net worth of $1 million. Her wealth stems from her extensive music career, including album sales, international tours, and soundtrack contributions.

Collaborations with artists like Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones, along with royalties from films like The Color Purple and Roots, bolster her earnings.