The Queen of Afro-Soul, Judith Sephuma, is a respected household name both in South Africa and Internationally, with a career that boasts accolades like a triple platinum-status selling debut album entitled “A Cry, A smile, A Dance” which was released in 2001, working and sharing a stage with international artists like Bebe Winans, Oletta Adams, Jonathan Butter, Al Jarreau, Randy Crawford and Chaka Khan, performing at prestigious events like Thabo Mbeki’s presidential inauguration, her collaboration with Michael Bolton and another with Kenny G, and her latest album Power of Dreams (her 8th studio album) which was produced by renowned Joseph Williams.
Now this multi-award winning performer has recorded a 66-minute “on-demand” live studio show called ‘Judith Sephuma in Concert: “The Jazz Unplugged”’ which will be aired this Women’s Month.
You are known world wide as The Queen of Afro Jazz, but Gospel is also a love of yours; very evident in the release of My Worship.
How did your love for Gospel start and grow and why does this genre of music resonate with you?
Judith:
“Gospel has always played such a big part of my life. I didn’t grow up in church but I was in church hearing hymns being sung that stayed with me all my life. I couldn’t run from it.”
You’ve shared the stage with so many different artists, collaborated with the best of the best – is there anyone you would love to collaborate with still and why?
Judith:
“I will collaborate with anyone I connect with. There is no one in particular at the moment.”
Your career has been so illustrious – is there one moment that stands out for you and why?
Judith:
“With so many years in the industry and so many great performances it’s difficult to choose. So I will say I have had a lot. From Cape Town Jazz Festival, Joy Of Jazz to small intimate performances at the Market Theatre and more. Intimacy is best for me.”
We are going through such a challenging time at the moment and you have so may inspiring songs – which one song of yours would you perform solely to help people get through this difficult time and why?
Judith:
“You’re right, I have so many. But right now I would choose a song called Tšohle from my album Power of Dreams. It’s in Sepedi and is a joyful song of hope.”
Going into Women’s month, what advice would you give young girls and women?
Judith:
“Woman’s month is a month of celebrating woman, girls and children. So celebrate how beautiful and strong you are. Don’t be afraid to speak out against anything you don’t want in your life. Speak out especially in this challenging time. Love one another and mostly support one another.”
What is your favourite lyric from any one of your songs?
Judith:
“It’s the Scat from ‘A cry A smile A dance’. Only because anyone can sing and interpret it their own way.”
Tell me more about The Jazz Unplugged concert; what sparked the idea, what can people expect?
Judith:
“The Jazz concert was sparked by this lockdown. From the beginning of lockdown I’ve been wanting to have a virtual concert but have it done correctly. It’s important for our fans and friends to always see us as they know us. Also so that people don’t forget us. I am always about bringin music to the people. So we decided to shoot The Jazz Unplugged. Hopefully people will enjoy.”
“Judith Sephuma in Concert: The Jazz Unplugged” takes place from 8 – 22 August with tickets selling at R120 each.
The show includes a stripped-down performance with Sephuma’s best-known songs such as “A Cry A Smile A Dance”, “Mme Motswadi”, “Maropeng”, “Music in the air” and an iconic version of “Bridge Over Troubled Water”. Magnificent harmonies created by Kuki Mncube, Tshepang Mofokeng and Thembinkosi Manqele on backing vocals with Devine Mitchell on guitar and Job Thako on keys accompany Sephuma’s powerful soul-soothing voice that has dominated the airwaves for nearly two decades.
Sephuma said she wanted the show to be “on-demand” to accommodate different time zones.
The show, in celebration of Women’s Day on August 9, goes live the night before at 8pm for on-demand viewing until August 22 at 8pm. Tickets are available from Ticketpro and Hero ticket.
Sephuma’s most recent album “Power of Dreams” (2019) has been nominated for a South Africa Music Award (SAMA) in the category “Best African Adult Contemporary Album”. The SAMA’s will be broadcast on Mzansi Magic and streamed on Mymuze.com from 3-7 August 2020.
To book tickets go to:
https://protect-za.mimecast.com/s/W1nUCGZK7QtOM6REip4mRN
#JudithJazzUnplugged
