Disturbing Definitions | Labi Siffre | TEDxBrayfordPool

Labi Siffre believes that the language of modern society isn't quite fit for purpose. Part talk, part performance, Labi explores new definitions for current language.

Labi Siffre, self-defined as “An atheist, homosexual, black artist”, vowed, aged 13, to be a jazz singer; at 14 to be an artist/philosopher; at 16, on vocals & guitar, he had his own blues band, aged 18 he wrote his first songs. Mid 1960’s in a guitar/organ/drums trio Labi was resident in a London jazz club hosted by the singer Annie Ross. 1968 in Amsterdam found Labi capturing audiences solo with his own songs & 1970 saw the first of his 7 albums released.

His chart hits include “It Must Be Love” (later a hit for Madness), “Crying Laughing Loving Lying”, “Watch Me” & “Something Inside So Strong". Sampled by Eminem (“My Name Is”), Jay-Z, Dr Dre & Kanye West (“I Wonder”), Labi has published three poetry books, “Nigger”, “Blood On The Page” & “Monument”. His one act play, “Deathwrite” was staged & televised.

[fightthemwithkarma]

Frankly, the fact that Labi isn't more famous than he is after 40+ years of writing amazing music/lyrics pisses me off.

[PentGroove]

The most underrated artist in the history of music

[lilahdog]

It's amazing how his voice is exactly the same now as it was when he was in his early 20s. No roughness or anything.

[yubetb]

This man is undiscovered because to discover him would be too uncomfortable to too many. I grew up with his song Something Inside, and as a 14 year old it empowered me to speak out. The again as a 55 Yr old in a poor under developed country, where the politicians have bled the country dry and the people are marching, I find myself in a kareoke bar and I sing... Something inside so strong.. I know that I can make it but you're doing me wrong so wrong... and there is silence...and then cheers. Labi Sifre... Your song, your words, you are timeless and you still in 2024 speak a truth for millions around the world. Bless you.

[todoesbosta]

Im so happy I've finally reached this man. Never heard of him until I realised some of the songs i liked where his samples. Such a kind soul

[nezzylearns]

This is the epitome of creativity and charisma. I thoroughly enjoyed this

[djmoch]

I've always liked Labi's voice, very soft spoken and proper. And a talented musician to boot.

[Bencopland]

An amazing artist, writer, philosopher. One of the greats, but yet so humble .

[annapoole]

What a great "teacher"... I appreciate and accept his words to make meaning for myself.

[guillermopinon]

An incredible individual, down to his core.

[silaslangsyd]

Man, listening to his songs and his singing voice brings me to tears at times . Just like Cat Stevens/Yusuf done to me many years ago .
Labi is a light we are lucky to experience in our lifetimes, may he live long and happy . So Strong .

[doctorgenerous]

""Noise and chaos of parallel monologues." Damn. This was an amazing TedTalk. I am such a fan of Labi Siffre - phenomenal songwriter, singer, writer, and speaker!

[lovesingsus]

He's as brilliant as he is brave. I really appreciate the illumination. Thank you for posting this.

[ToFabricate]

Brilliant. This puts a period on thoughts I've had and never finished. We really do all have different minds and comprehend every statement in different ways. It's like how no two people will feel exactly the same when listening to the same song. What do you and I imagine when we hear the word "chair?" What material do you see, how big is it, does it have wheels? We all took different paths to hear the same sentences and we're going to hear them in a different language, our own little language, our own form of comprehension/interpretation. Communication is so important to the survival of our species, but, how often do we really understand each other? This gives me a lot to think about. You give speeches as well as you make music, masterfully. ❤️

[zpydawebb]

Just a lonely soul slowly dying. I was smiling hard but I was lying. Then you sailed along with your sweet dream. When you stole my heart ...I was living

[SHATHECROW]

The last part was so beautiful I don’t know what lead me to this but its beautiful. I feel like if you wanna make a change you gotta speak in sheep’s language first am i wrong?

[Kid.Izmawen]

His music is something... And he's obviously brillant, virtuous, brave and emotionally intelligent. At least, for myself. Thanks Labi 🙏🏻♥️

[hiccups]

"It must be love, love, love". 🎶

[davidmaraisthecampfireguit]

One of the BEST songwriters on the planet.

[tylerfanboyhayden]

Anyone who has seen Brooklyn 99 knows this man is a British captain holt