Q&A: judith sephuma
Thebe Mabanga
A Cry, A Smile, A Dance is the debut solo album from Judith Sephuma, a jazz vocalist on the rise. Having graduated at the University of Cape Town (UCT) school of music, majoring in jazz singing, the winner of the best jazz vocalist at Old Mutual Jazz Encounters in 1999 was well prepared when she took to the studio.
During her stint at UCT she worked with fellow students Selaelo Selota and Jimmy Dludlu, as well as C-Base Collective, Virtual Jazz Reality and the Cape Symphony Orchestra. She tasted the international spotlight in the late Nineties when she was invited to perform and record with The Netherlands Metropole Orchestra.
How many of you were in your first-year class and what happens to those who do not make it solo?
There were about 30 of us and some I think end up playing in bands or teaching. What I can say, though, is that some people get into music thinking it is the easy way out and it is not. Talent alone is not enough.
What was the best thing about your stay in Cape Town?
When I was in the College Big Band where I stayed way more than the normal two years we became like a family and we would call each other frequently. That is the kind of spirit I want to bring into my band now.
And someone from that era, and even before, Selota, wrote most of the songs and produced your album?
Selaelo has been there since the beginning of my musical career. He bought me my first Randy Crawford [album], which became sunburnt and out of shape. The only surviving track was Everything Must Change [the title track]. Years later I performed it as part of my diploma. We also worked together in my early years at UCT and this is the first time in more than five years we work together.
You sing with a bit more emotion in Sepedi than in English. Which do you prefer?
I have never thought about that really. I do not favour either. I think I sound different because of the different emotions in the songs. I used to believe I am more emotional when I sing in English, but not any more.
How was recording with the Metropole?
I was to have an invitation that has been given to Sarah Vaughn and Dee Dee Bridgewater. The recording was meant for radio broadcast. Afterwards, the organisers considered releasing it but they could not because my contract with BMG required that I release locally first.
The details
Judith Sephuma performs at Standard Bank Jazz in the Park at Moretele Park, Pretoria, on December 9. Book at Computicket or pay R120 at the gate.