Real name: Selwyn E. Caines

Selwyn Caines a.k.a. Zemenfes Kidus was first exposed to the music scene at thirteen years of age when he picked up the microphone and started experimenting on the drums in the “Silvertones” Band-House. Eventually, they asked him to sing lead vocals for an event and he got his first chance to perform on stage. After that he knew music was his passion. When he was eighteen Selwyn moved to Anguilla and sang lead vocals for another band, also named the “Silvertones” and gained more experience as they played different types of music for parties, dances and weddings.

In 1976, Selwyn returned to St. Kitts to join a band named “Olubayao Brothers”, but this band played more Reggae Music. They performed in different Caribbean Islands; Anguilla, Statia and Saba and were the number one Opening Band for the original “Ellie Matt and the G I’s Brass” Band. In 1979, Selwyn left the warm comforts of the Caribbean to explore the cities of Toronto, Hamilton and London in the Province of Ontario, Canada where he gained inspiration and developed his song writing skills. Between, 1981-1983, Selwyn returned to St. Kitts and joined a band named the “Earthtones Brass” and was now using his stage name “Zemenfes Kidus”.

As his thirst for Reggae increased the need to elevate him-self became overwhelming so he moved to Jamaica to immerse himself where Reggae is King. While there he was introduced to Yvonne Griffith, Bob Marley’s Promotional Manager, by Idren Eliah X. at “Tuff Gong Studio” along with members of Bob Marley’s Band; Aston Barrett (Bass Player), Carlton Barrett (Drummer) and Earl "Wire" Lindo (Keyboardist). The encounter was very positive and they ended up having a jam session, which led to Zemenfes Kidus recording “The Light” at “Tuff Gong Studio” on May 18th, 1984 the first song he had written himself. At the time “The Light” was the only song recorded by an Eastern Caribbean Artist that was signed to the “Tuff Gong” Label. The song was played on all the Major Radio Stations in Europe and North America. He also produced songs, “On Top of What” and “Freedom” and did extensive promotions in the Caribbean; Barbados, St. Lucia, St. Thomas, Antigua, St. Martin and Anguilla.

Zemenfes Kidus returned to St. Kitts in 2001 and released “Stand Firm and Strong”. During this period he was the Opening Act for Lucky Dube, he opened for Jimmy Cliff and performed at “St. Kitts Music Festival” with his own band “Highest Joy” whose name originated from the African name “Olubayao”, which means highest joy. In 2002, he went back into the studio to record songs for the album “Judgment”, which he released later that year. Zemenfes Kidus has enjoyed performing at Saba Carnival, “Culturama” in Nevis, the “Cry Freedom” Concert in St. Kitts with Artists Black Stallon and Dub Poet “Mutabaruka”. He has opened for Buju Banton and in March 2009 he performed at Bankie Banx “MoonSplash” Event in Anguilla.