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.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx