Music News South Africa

#MusicExchange: Judith Sephuma to launch live studio show

Multi-award-winning songstress Judith Sephuma, aka The Queen of Afro-jazz, has recorded a 66-minute on-demand live studio show that will enable fans to watch the show at their leisure, any time between 8 and 22 August 2020.

The Judith Sephuma in Concert: The Jazz Unplugged show will showcase a stripped-down performance that includes her 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”.

#MusicExchange: Judith Sephuma to launch live studio show

Fans can expect magnificent harmonies created by Kuki Mncube, Tshepang Mofokeng and Thembinkosi Manqele on backing vocals and Devine Mitchell on guitar and Job Thako on keys.

The show, in celebration of Women’s Day on 9 August, goes live the night before at 8pm for on-demand viewing until August 22 at 8pm. Tickets are available from Ticketpro and Hero Ticket and cost R120. To book tickets go to tickets.heroticket.co.za.

Sephuma’s most recent album Power of Dreams (2019) was nominated for a South Africa Music Award (Sama) in the category Best African Adult Contemporary Album. Sephuma opened the second night of the SAMAS26 virtual event, last night 4 August.

I caught up with Sephuma last week.

The new decade means:

New adventures.

Fame is about:

Lights, camera, action.

Retirement will happen when:

I’m really tired.

I don't do:

Drugs.

What does music mean to you?

It’s my life, it’s really important.

What is the most enjoyable aspect of your work?

Seeing the excitement on people’s faces and hearing them sing along to every song.

Any funny moments on stage:

Yes, when I forget the lyrics especially to “A Cry, A Smile, A Dance”.

Which living person do you admire most and why?

Not only one person because I believe inspiration comes in different times and forms. Every healthcare worker in this time of Covid-19. They are courageous and life-changers, putting their lives on the line daily. But they wake up each morning and face the unknown.

What is your most treasured possession?

Two actually. My car and my cellphone.

It’s your round, what are you drinking?

Tonic, lime and lemon.

Dream gig to do:

Montreal International Jazz Festival.

What makes you stand out?

My smile.

#MusicExchange: Judith Sephuma to launch live studio show
#MusicExchange: Judith Sephuma to launch live studio show

Nicknames:

Hmmmm, Jud or Judi. Other than that I don’t really have any.

If you were not a musician, what would you do?

I’d own a restaurant and be the chef.

Pick five words to describe yourself:

Caring, kind, sensitive, passionate, love to laugh.

Five favourite SA albums: 

Nasty C -  Strings and Blings
Zoe Modiga - Yellow: The Novel
Thandiswa Mazwai - Zabalaza
Nokukhanya Dlamini – Uyinkosi Yami
Titi Luzipo - Titi Luzipo 

What is your favourite word?

Two actually: ‘Ya neh’.

Favourite fashion garment: Any long dress.

Give us some real proper slang and what it means:

You’re so extra (so dramatic).

Top of your bucket list:

It’s already done – skydiving.

Your greatest achievement:

My children and my music career.

What do you complain about most often?

Lies and dishonesty.

What is your fear?

Things that crawl and jump at the same time.

Happiness is:

Self-love.

On stage, I tend to:

Tell jokes without being aware they are actually jokes.

The best life lesson you have been taught:

Things aren’t always as they seem.

Where would you like to be right now?

Right here. At home, in bed, watching Netflix. I’m on lockdown. Yes.

Do you do charity work and, if you do, what do you do?

I sit on the board of the Judith Sephuma Foundation. I participated in the #HospiceWitsNWTS20 online fundraiser on 28 July.

Wishes and dreams:

I am living my dream and I wish the sun would burn up the coronavirus.

Social media:

Instagram | Twitter | Facebook

About Martin Myers

Co-owner at Triple M Entertainment, founder Music Exchange, manager Sipho Hotstix Mabuse
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