Performer and vocal artist
Corporate events, jazz festivals, gala evenings, cultural programmes, and audiences seeking world class South African vocal artistry
Judith Sephuma is one of South Africa’s most distinguished vocalists, celebrated for her rich jazz and Afro soul sound, exceptional musicality, and deep artistic versatility. Her journey began at age fifteen when she committed to music as a career, later reaching the finals of both Shell Road to Fame and SABC’s Jam Alley Search for Talent. She continued her formal training at Johannesburg’s Fuba Academy before studying Jazz Performance at the University of Cape Town, graduating with an Honours degree in 2000.
Before establishing her solo career, Judith performed with leading ensembles such as Jimmy Dludlu and the C Base Collective, Loading Zone, Virtual Jazz Reality, and the Cape Jazz Orchestra. These formative experiences cemented her as a sought after performer with a commanding stage presence and a sound shaped by jazz tradition, African rhythm, and contemporary soul.
Signed to BMG Africa in 1999, she released her debut album A Cry, A Smile, A Dance in 2000. Produced by Selaelo Selota, the album achieved platinum status in South Africa and announced Judith as one of the most exciting vocal talents of her generation.
Whilst maintaining a busy solo performance schedule, Judith Sephuma regularly featured as a soloist with Loading Zone, Virtual Jazz Reality, & the Cape Jazz Orchestra.
Judith Sephuma decided to make music her career at the age of 15. After reaching the finals of the Shell Road to Fame contest in 1994, & the finals in SABC’s Jam Alley Search for Talent, she attended Fuba Academy in Jhb for a year.
She has subsequently been studying Jazz Performance at the University of Cape Town, & graduated in June 2000 with an Honours degree in Jazz Performance.
Judith Sephuma has been a member of Cape Towns Jimmy Dludlu & the C-Base Collective (with whom she appeared at the 1996 Arts Alive Festival), & the Cape Jazz Orchestra, prior to developing her solo career.
Her versatility & professionalism have afforded her the opportunity to work with many well-known artists, including Sibongile Khumalo, Jennifer Jones, British saxophonist Dave O’Higgins, pianist Jack von Poll & others.
Whilst maintaining a busy solo performance schedule, she regularly featured as a soloist with Loading Zone, Virtual Jazz Reality, & the Cape Jazz Orchestra.
During 1999, Judith was signed as a recording artist to BMG Africa, & released her debut album late in 2000 A CRY, A SMILE, A DANCE which went on to achieve Platinum status for sales in excess of 50 000 units in South Africa was produced by by renowned artist & gifted producer, Selaelo Selota, the 11-track album offers up a platform for what is surely one of the most exciting vocal talents to have emerged out of this country for a long time.
She released her 2nd album “Women of Africa” in 2004
Highlights of live performances include her intimate public concerts at the Market Theatre in Johannesburg & Spier in Cape Town during 2002.
Judith has broadened her international experience, working on the Princess Symphony cruise ship in the Indian Ocean, participating in the Fin de Siecle Festival in Nantes, France, the Saint Louis Jazz Festival, Senegal, Tokyo, Japan as well as. She has performed in Holland with the Netherlands Metropole Orchestra & at the North Sea Jazz Festival, Den Haag.
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This four minute official music video for Tseleng from Judith Sephuma’s 2011 album I Am A Living Testimony highlights her unmistakable artistry and emotional clarity. The video blends cinematic visuals with a warm, organic performance style that reflects the song’s spiritual message and reflective tone.
Judith delivers the piece with her characteristic vocal purity, weaving subtle jazz phrasing into a soulful, heartfelt interpretation. The visuals support the lyrical themes by exploring scenic, open landscapes and intimate portrait shots that evoke movement, contemplation, and personal journey. The direction focuses on simplicity and elegance, allowing Judith’s voice and emotive expression to remain central throughout the video.
Stylistically, the production mirrors her broader musical identity: a fusion of jazz, Afro soul, and storytelling that prioritises honesty and connection. The instrumentation is gentle yet powerful, complementing her phrasing without overpowering the vocal line. The pacing of the video remains steady and immersive, guiding viewers through the song’s emotional arc.
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