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After a hellish two years along the road to self-discovery the songstress bounces back with a sleek new look and a fresh musical offering.
Afro-jazz queen Judith Sephuma took some time off from the music industry because she was going through a journey of self-discovery.
Her eighth and latest album, Power of Dreams, is a reflection of the fact that she has been through a difficult time over the last two years.
On Thursday night, Sephuma performed a few songs from this self-produced album for friends and fans at The Market theatre in Newtown.
Among the people who came to support her were jazz artist Wanda Baloyi and actress Rami Chuene.
The new-look songstress, who has shed a few kilos, looked sexy in a long red dress with a split front. It is evident that she has been working hard at the gym.
“This album is the reflection of where I am spiritually, emotionally and physically,” she told City Press after her performance.
Her 17-year-old daughter wrote the song Power of Dreams, which became the title of her album.
“I just wanted to inspire my daughter, who is also a writer, hence the title of the album. She is not a musician, but she is taking some vocal training,” she smiled.
Sephuma admitted that the past two years had been hell, but that it had also helped her to reconnect with herself.
“There was just too much happening and I was losing myself. I tried everything, even therapy, but nothing seemed to work then,” she shared.
But today she is happy and content.
TV and radio personality Kgomotso “KG” Moeketsi, who was the MC at the event, said that when Sephuma approached her to be the MC, she first asked to listen to her entire album.
“I was worried that the album would sound American, since it was produced by an American producer, Joseph Williams. But I was excited when I heard Sepedi songs,” Moeketsi said.
Sephuma, who had taken some vocal lessons before working on the album, explained why she opted to work with Williams, who has produced hits for Bobby Brown and the late US musician Prince: it is because of her great respect for how US producers and musicians take care of their craft and how aggressive they are in everything they do.
“I also didn’t want to be apologetic about my music.”
Sephuma’s album definitely is a must-have, since its new sound appeals to young and old. This time around she is not deeply into lyrics as attestedy by the track titled Dance. It’s a song to get you moving and seems to be an audience favourite. The crowd couldn’t help but dance and sing along to it.
However, her song Ntshwarele (Forgive me) is my favourite, simply because she sings it from the heart.
She described it as a cry, a song that begs for forgiveness.
“There is nothing worse than not being forgiven, especially by your loved ones.”
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