Labi Siffre – Biography, Songs and Personal Life
Labi Siffre is a British singer, songwriter, and poet whose gentle, soulful songs have quietly influenced pop music for decades. Born in London in 1945, he is best known for writing and recording “It Must Be Love” – later a massive hit for Madness – and for his track “I Got The,” which became the foundation of Eminem’s “My Name Is.” This article covers his biography, real name, pronunciation, age, personal life, net worth, most famous songs, vinyl discography, and answers frequently asked questions.
Despite a relatively short initial run in the 1970s, Siffre’s music has endured through sampling, reissues, and a renewed appreciation for his introspective lyricism. He is also a published poet and has been openly gay throughout his career, using non-gendered language in many of his songs. Below, we separate established facts from uncertainty and provide a complete picture of his life and work.
Who Is Labi Siffre? Biography and Real Name
Labi Siffre was born Claudius Afolabi Siffre on 25 June 1945 in London. His mother was of Barbadian and Belgian descent, and his father was Nigerian. He grew up in Bayswater and Hampstead and attended St Benedict’s School in Ealing. He began writing poetry in 1984 and later published collections including Blood on the Page (1995) and Monument (1997).
| Born | June 25, 1945 (age 79) |
| Real Name | Claudius Afolabi Siffre |
| Nationality | British |
| Known For | “It Must Be Love”, “My Song”, “Bless The Telephone” |
- Labi Siffre is a British singer-songwriter and poet, born in London in 1945.
- He is best known for his 1970s hits like “It Must Be Love” and “My Song”, which have been sampled by hip-hop artists like Eminem.
- Siffre is openly gay and has been in a long-term relationship with his partner, though public details are limited.
- His music is characterized by gentle, soulful melodies and introspective lyrics.
- Siffre took a hiatus from music in the late 1970s and returned in the late 1980s, continuing to release albums into the 1990s.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Claudius Afolabi Siffre |
| Date of Birth | June 25, 1945 |
| Age | 79 years old (as of 2025) |
| Occupation | Singer, Songwriter, Poet |
| Genres | Soul, Folk, Pop |
| Years Active | 1970–1975, 1988–1998 |
| Notable Songs | “It Must Be Love”, “My Song”, “Bless The Telephone”, “Cannock Chase” |
| Partner | Private; known to be in a long-term relationship with a man |
Labi Siffre’s Personal Life: Husband and Net Worth
Who is Labi Siffre’s husband?
Labi Siffre met his long-term partner Peter Lloyd in July 1964. According to multiple accounts, they were together for 48 years. Later, he had another partner, Ruud, beginning in 1997. Siffre has been open about his sexuality but has not always publicly confirmed the identity of his partners in detail. His song lyrics often avoid gendered pronouns, reflecting his personal approach to love and relationships.
What is Labi Siffre’s net worth?
No verified, source-backed net worth figure is available. Online estimates vary widely and should be treated as speculative. Siffre’s income likely comes from royalties – especially from samples of “I Got The” used by Eminem and Dr. Dre – and from his poetry publications.
Reports of Labi Siffre’s net worth are not backed by reliable financial records. Any specific number found online is speculative and not confirmed by official sources.
Labi Siffre’s Most Famous Songs and Their Meanings
“It Must Be Love”
Originally released by Siffre in 1971, “It Must Be Love” reached No. 14 in the UK. The song was later covered by Madness and became a worldwide hit. Siffre wrote and recorded the original, which remains a staple of his catalog.
“I Got The”
The instrumental track “I Got The” gained new life when Dr. Dre and Eminem sampled it for “My Name Is.” The song is known primarily for its distinctive bassline and guitar riff. No authoritative interpretation of the lyrics exists in available sources, but the track is celebrated for its groove and later sampling history.
“I Got The” is the source of the main sample in Eminem’s “My Name Is,” introducing Siffre’s work to a generation of hip-hop fans.
“My Song”
“My Song” is a gentle folk-pop track from Siffre’s early 1970s output. Full lyrics are not reproduced here, but the song reflects his characteristic blend of introspection and melody.
“Bless the Telephone”
This single from the early 1970s saw renewed interest after a remastered version went viral in 2025–2026. It exemplifies Siffre’s ability to turn simple observations into tender, memorable songs.
Labi Siffre Vinyl Records and Discography
Discography overview
Siffre released six albums between 1970 and 1975, starting with his self-titled debut Labi Siffre (1970). After a hiatus, he returned with the album So Strong in 1988 and released his last studio album, The Last Songs, in 1998. A 3CD compilation Labi Siffre 1970-1971 was released in 2023.
Where to buy vinyl
Original vinyl pressings of Siffre’s early albums are collectible and can be found through specialist record shops, online marketplaces, and auction sites. Reissues have appeared periodically; checking dedicated vinyl retailers and streaming service merchandise pages is recommended.
Labi Siffre’s 1970 debut album and other early pressings are increasingly sought after. Prices vary widely, and condition is critical for valuation.
When Did Labi Siffre Release His Most Important Albums?
- 1945 – Born Claudius Afolabi Siffre in London, England.
- 1970 – Released debut self-titled album Labi Siffre.
- 1971 – Released second album The Singer and the Song.
- 1972 – Released “It Must Be Love”, later a hit for Madness.
- 1975 – Released Remember My Song and took a hiatus from music.
- 1988 – Returned to music with the album So Strong.
- 1998 – Released his last studio album to date, The Last Songs.
- 2023 – Released a 3CD compilation Labi Siffre 1970-1971.
What Facts About Labi Siffre Are Certain and What Remains Unclear?
| Topic | Established | Unclear |
|---|---|---|
| Net Worth | No verified source provides a reliable figure. Estimates vary widely. | – |
| Husband/Partner | Labi Siffre is openly gay and has been in long-term relationships (Peter Lloyd, later Ruud). | Identity of current partner not publicly confirmed in mainstream sources. |
| Pronunciation | Pronounced “LAB-ee SIF-ree”. | – |
| Age | Born June 25, 1945, making him 79 years old as of 2025. | – |
What Is the Cultural Significance of Labi Siffre’s Music?
Labi Siffre’s music has had a lasting influence, particularly through sampling. Eminem’s “My Name Is” samples “I Got The”, introducing Siffre to a new generation. His songs are known for their emotional depth and simplicity. Siffre’s work blends soul, folk, and pop with introspective lyrics, and his gentle vocal style and acoustic guitar work are hallmarks of his sound.
Despite a relatively short initial career, Siffre is regarded as a cult figure in British soul and folk. His later work as a poet adds to his artistic legacy. He is often described as a poet first and a folk/pop artist rather than an R&B singer. The enduring popularity of “It Must Be Love” and the viral success of “Bless the Telephone” have kept his music alive across decades.
Readers interested in other British cultural figures may also enjoy Stephen Fry – Biography, Husband, Books and Net Worth.
Where Can I Find Reliable Information About Labi Siffre?
Key sources for factual information about Labi Siffre include Wikipedia, his official Spotify artist page, his YouTube channel, and his Instagram account. Below are the most commonly referenced online resources.
- Labi Siffre on Wikipedia
- Labi Siffre on Spotify
- Labi Siffre Official YouTube Channel
- Labi Siffre on Instagram
- Labi Siffre on AllMusic
- The Big Issue article on Labi Siffre
What Is the Takeaway About Labi Siffre?
Labi Siffre is a quietly influential British artist whose work in music and poetry continues to resonate. His songs have been rediscovered through sampling, covers, and digital remasters, and his legacy as a soulful, thoughtful storyteller endures. For more on major British entertainers, see David Tennant – Biography, Key Roles, Age, Wife, Net Worth.
Frequently Asked Questions About Labi Siffre
Is Labi Siffre still alive?
Yes, Labi Siffre is alive as of 2025.
What is Labi Siffre’s most sampled song?
“I Got The” has been sampled by Eminem in “My Name Is” and by other artists.
Did Labi Siffre write “It Must Be Love”?
Yes, he wrote and originally recorded “It Must Be Love” in 1971. It was later covered by Madness.
What genre is Labi Siffre’s music?
His music is primarily soul, folk, and pop.
How do you pronounce Labi Siffre?
It is pronounced “LAB-ee SIF-ree”.
Does Labi Siffre have any children?
Public sources do not confirm whether Labi Siffre has children.
Why did Labi Siffre stop making music in the late 1970s?
He took a hiatus for personal reasons and returned in the late 1980s with the album ‘So Strong’.
Where can I listen to Labi Siffre’s music?
His music is available on Spotify, YouTube, and other streaming platforms.
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