Based: Johannesburg

With the release of her 2011 album, I AM LIVING TESTIMONY, Judith Sephuma has confirmed, yet again, her standing as South Africa’s pre-eminent female artist.

The record, her fourth studio effort, has been described as the multi award-winner, multi-platinum seller’s most “inspirational” record to date – and it’s no wonder that the live shows accompanying the album’s release in the second half of 2011 have drawn substantial audiences.

What’s more, Sephuma has ensured that her new material yet again delivers a subtle twist on her signature sound – this time around, on I AM LIVING TESTIMONY there are plenty of Gospel and funk elements that mix comfortably with the Afro-Soul and Jazz music that has earned Sephuma such a loyal fanbase.

It’s been a decade since Sephuma burst, like a gorgeous flower opening for spring, onto the South African music scene. That was with Sephuma’s debut record, 2001’s ‘A Cry, A Smile, A Dance’ that instantly captured the attention of music fans with its incredible moving title track and brightly-hued, still memorable video.

Over the past 10 years, this most multi-faceted of artists has been crafting a sound that makes it easy to spot a Sephuma tune when it’s played on radio. From the very first record, what has been driving this remarkable artist is a desire to uplifit and inspire.

“I love being inspired, and there are a lot of people out there that I want to inspire,” Sephuma says simply. “Children, older people, teenagers. I want every one to gain something from the music that I create – something positive and uplifting.”

*****Judith Sephuma – Additional Biography Info ******

Awards:
Best Female Artist (New Beginnings)
Best Engineer – Jasper Williams (New Beginnings)
Best Producer – Laurence Matshiza (New Beginnings)

SAMA – Best Female Artist (A Cry, A Smile, A Dance)

SAMA – Best Jazz Vocal (A Cry, A Smile, A Dance)

KORA All Africa Music Awards – Best Artist from Southern Africa

KORA All Africa Music Awards – Best African Female Artist (Africa/Diaspora)

Metro Fm Music Award – Best Female Vocalist (A Cry, A Smile, A Dance)

Metro Fm Music Award – Best Jazz Artist (A Cry, A Smile, A Dance)

Nominations:
SAMA 15 – Female Artist of the Year (Change Is Here)
SAMA 15 – Best Contemporary Jazz Album (Change Is Here)