Judith Sephuma Reflects on Her Musical Journey and Enduring Legacy

South African Afro-jazz icon Judith Sephuma continues to shape her legacy with a deep sense of purpose and connection. In an interview following the release of her 2025 album When Winter Fades, Sephuma speaks about her philosophy of artistry, her love for live performance, and her mission to preserve cultural heritage through music. Known for performing in her mother tongue, Sepedi, she describes singing as an emotional bridge linking her audience to her roots. After a five-year pause from recording, filled with extensive touring and collaborations with composer Hans Zimmer, Sephuma recorded When Winter Fades live in studio with her full band — staying true to her belief that jazz thrives on authenticity and interaction. The album’s lead single, Back to Love, reconnects her to the sound that defined her breakthrough album A Cry, A Smile, A Dance. Sephuma also pays homage to Miriam Makeba, whom she describes as a guiding influence and a symbol of African pride. She expresses concern about how South African musicians’ legacies fade after their passing, urging continued celebration of their artistry. Rejecting strict genre labels such as “queen of Afro-jazz”, Sephuma sees herself as a mentor and ‘mother of the nation’, shaping future generations through the values embedded in her music. Her upcoming live concert at Emperors Palace in July promises to be a culmination of her journey — a heartfelt celebration of endurance, heritage, and love.