Labi Siffre – Biography, Songs, and Personal Life

Labi Siffre is a British singer-songwriter, poet, and activist whose work has quietly influenced pop, soul, and hip-hop for over five decades. Known for hits like “It Must Be Love” and the anti-apartheid anthem “(Something Inside) So Strong,” his music has been sampled by Eminem, Jay-Z, and Kanye West. This article covers his biography, music career, personal life, and the key facts fans often search for.

Born Claudius Afolabi Siffre on 25 June 1945 in Hammersmith, London, he is the son of a Nigerian father and a Belgian mother. His name is pronounced LAB-ee SIF-ree. As of 2025, he is 80 years old and remains alive, living a quiet life in Spain.

Who is Labi Siffre? Biography and Background

• Labi Siffre’s music has been sampled by major hip-hop artists, including Eminem and Jay-Z. His song ‘I Got The…’ was used in Eminem’s ‘My Name Is’ and Jay-Z’s ‘The Streets Is Watchin’.
• He is both a musician and a poet, blending soul, folk, and social commentary. Siffre’s poetry collections and spoken-word performances complement his musical work.
• Siffre stepped away from the music industry for over a decade (1970s-1980s) before returning in the late 80s. He cited disillusionment with the industry and a desire for authenticity.

Labi Siffre’s Music Career: Songs, Albums, and Vinyl

Siffre formed his first band at 16 and played jazz guitar in Soho clubs during the late 1960s. He was part of the house band at Annie’s Room, a jazz nightclub owned by Annie Ross, before releasing his debut album in 1970. His style blends folk, soul, and jazz, and he is known for his soulful, high-pitched voice and thought-provoking lyrics.

What are Labi Siffre’s most popular songs?

His best-known track is “It Must Be Love” (1971), which later became an even bigger hit when covered by Madness. The anti-apartheid anthem “(Something Inside) So Strong” reached No. 4 in the UK in 1987. Other notable songs include “My Song,” “Watch Me,” and “I Got The…,” the latter of which provided the funky piano hook for Eminem’s 1999 global hit “My Name Is.”

What albums did Labi Siffre release?

Siffre released ten studio albums over three decades, with a creative peak in the 1970s. His 1970s output includes Labi Siffre (1970), The Singer and the Song (1971, UK #47), Crying Laughing Loving Lying (1972, UK #46), For the Children (1973), Remember My Song (1975), and Happy (1975). In the 1980s and 1990s, he released So Strong (1988), Man of Reason (1991), The Last Songs (1998), and the spoken-word album Monument (1998). Biographical detail and discography can be explored further via AllMusic.

Where can I find Labi Siffre vinyl records?

Vinyl copies of his albums are available through online marketplaces like Discogs and eBay, as well as in some record stores. Recent reissues, including a 2020 3CD set titled Labi Siffre 1970-1971, have made his early work more accessible to collectors.

Labi Siffre’s Personal Life: Marriage, Family, and Legacy

Siffre has been openly gay throughout his career and has never shied from addressing racism and homophobia in his work. He is an atheist. His personal life is marked by two significant long-term relationships.

Who is Labi Siffre married to?

Siffre met his life partner Peter Lloyd in July 1964 when he was 19. They were together for 48 years until Lloyd’s death in 2013. They entered a civil partnership in 2005 as soon as it was legally possible in the UK. Siffre refers to Lloyd as his “late husband.” In 1997, Siffre met Ruud (Rudolf van Baardwijk). From the mid-1990s until Lloyd’s death in 2013, the three lived in a polyamorous relationship in Cwmdu, South Wales. After Peter’s death, Siffre and Ruud married in December 2014. Ruud died in 2016, after which they had been together for 19 years.

Does Labi Siffre have children?

Yes, Siffre has a daughter, but her name and details are kept private to respect family privacy.

Labi Siffre Net Worth and Quick Facts

Labi Siffre’s specific net worth is not publicly disclosed in available sources. Estimates from celebrity net worth websites vary widely and are not verifiable. His artistic legacy, rather than his financial status, remains the focus of public interest.

He was born at Queen Charlotte’s & Chelsea Hospital on Goldhawk Road in Hammersmith, London. Over his career, he released ten studio albums. In May 2025, he released the single “(Love Is Love Is Love)” to advocate for gay rights.

Timeline of Key Milestones

1. 1945 – Born in Hammersmith, London
2. 1970 – Released debut album Labi Siffre
3. 1971 – Album The Singer and the Song released
4. 1972 – Single “It Must Be Love” reaches UK charts
5. 1975 – Temporary retirement from music
6. 1988 – Comeback album So Strong including song “(Something Inside) So Strong”
7. 1998 – Last studio album The Last Songs
8. 2020 – 50th anniversary reissues and appreciation articles
9. 2026 – New album Unfinished Business released at age 80

What is Known and What Remains Unclear

Why Labi Siffre Matters: Influence and Legacy

Siffre’s unique blend of soul, folk, and poetry set him apart from his contemporaries. As an openly gay Black artist in the 1970s music scene, he navigated an industry that was often hostile to both identities. His decision to step away from music in the mid-1970s, citing disillusionment, speaks to a commitment to artistic integrity over commercial success.

His impact on hip-hop is significant. The song “I Got The…” from his 1975 album Remember My Song provided the funky piano hook for Eminem‘s 1999 global hit “My Name Is.” Siffre initially refused the sample until lyrics attacking women and gay people were removed, calling the original “lazy songwriting.” Later versions reinstated the lyrics anyway. The song was also sampled by Jay-Z. Additionally, “My Song” was sampled on Kanye West‘s track “I Wonder.”

In the age of vinyl revival and streaming, Siffre’s work continues to find new audiences. His music connects the worlds of 1970s British folk-soul and modern hip-hop, making him a figure of enduring relevance. Fans of thoughtful, genre-defying artists might also appreciate the work of Frank Ocean.

Sources and Quotes

“I don’t think I’ve ever been a singer, I’ve been a poet who sings.”

— Labi Siffre, interview (various)

“His song ‘It Must Be Love’ remains a timeless classic, covered by Madness and others.”

— AllMusic / critics

Summary: Who is Labi Siffre?

Labi Siffre is a British singer-songwriter, poet, and activist whose career spans from the 1970s to the present day. Known for hits like “It Must Be Love” and “(Something Inside) So Strong,” his music has been sampled by some of the biggest names in hip-hop. He is openly gay, has been married twice, and has one daughter. His net worth is not publicly known. For fans of thoughtful, genre-defying artists, exploring Siffre’s work offers a rich musical journey. Those interested in similar artists might also enjoy the music of Loyle Carner.

Frequently Asked Questions