British folk legend Labi Siffre, now 80 years old, has announced his first new album in 28 years, marking a significant comeback for the iconic singer and poet. The upcoming album, aptly titled Unfinished Business, is set for release later this year through Demon Music Group, reigniting interest in a career that has spanned decades and influenced generations.
A Rare Return to the Spotlight
To celebrate the announcement, Siffre made a rare appearance on BBC Radio 2, where he performed orchestral versions of his classic track "My Song," a cover of "Baby I Need Your Loving," and the new lead single from Unfinished Business, titled "Far Away." This public engagement highlights the enduring appeal of an artist who has remained largely out of the public eye in recent years.
Decades of Musical Hiatus
Siffre's last albums, The Last Songs and the spoken-word poetry record Monument, were both released in 1998. His most recent song before "Far Away" was "(Love Is Love Is Love) Why Isn't Love Enough?" in 2020. The singer dropped six albums in a prolific five-year span during the 1970s before briefly retiring from music, only to return with his anti-apartheid anthem "(Something Inside) So Strong" in 1987, which became one of his most famous works.
Resurgence Among Younger Audiences
Despite being a Black, gay musician who faced challenges in his early career, Siffre has recently gained traction with younger generations. This renewed popularity is partly due to his performances and interviews being shared on platforms like TikTok, as well as his music featuring in films such as The Holdovers and Sentimental Value. His soulful hits, including "It Must Be Love" and "Crying Laughing Loving Lying," continue to resonate with fans old and new.
Influence Through Sampling
Siffre's work has seen a surge in popularity in recent years, largely thanks to high-profile artists sampling his songs. Notable examples include Dr. Dre, Miguel, Kanye West with "I Wonder," Jay-Z in "Streets Is Watching," and Eminem in "My Name Is." In 1999, an unknown Eminem approached Siffre to sample his funk song "I Got The" for what would become his breakthrough single, "My Name Is." However, Siffre refused permission until the rapper changed the original lyrics, which he deemed misogynistic and homophobic.
"I denied sample rights till that lazy writing was removed," Siffre later stated, referring to his stance against bigotry. "Dissing the victims of bigotry – women as 'bitches', homosexuals as 'faggots' – is lazy writing. Diss the bigots not their victims." Eminem complied, and with Siffre's approval, the song went on to become his first commercial hit, showcasing the singer's principled approach to his art.
Personal Legacy and Impact
Siffre, who was in a long-term relationship with Peter Lloyd from 1964 until Lloyd's death in 2013, has consistently used his platform to advocate for social justice. His comeback with Unfinished Business not only marks a personal milestone but also underscores his lasting influence in the music industry, bridging gaps between folk, soul, and modern hip-hop through timeless compositions and unwavering integrity.
