Judith Sephuma Marks 25 Years of Debut Album With Iya Iyo Remixes EP
- Judith Sephuma released a four-track remix EP to honour the 25th anniversary of her debut album, A Cry, A Smile, A Dance
- The Iya Iyo (Remixes) EP features fresh takes on the classic track by DJs Stixx, Shazmicsoul and C-Blak alongside the original
- Sephuma opened up about bridging generational gaps, her advice to her younger self, and being called 'Mama Judith' by younger fans
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South African jazz legend Judith Sephuma is marking a significant milestone in her career, releasing a brand-new remix EP to celebrate 25 years since her celebrated debut album first captivated the country.
A Cry, A Smile, A Dance, released in 2001, was both a critical and commercial triumph that cemented Sephuma's place as one of South Africa's most respected jazz voices. To honour the anniversary, she has dropped Iya Iyo (Remixes), a four-track EP built around the fourth track from that original record.
A classic track, reimagined
The EP features the original version of 'Iya Iyo' alongside three fresh interpretations by DJs and producers Stixx, Shazmicsoul and C-Blak. While the remixes push the song towards a more contemporary and danceable direction, Sephuma says the track's core message and originality have remained untouched. For her, this project is about more than nostalgia; it is about introducing her music to listeners who were not yet born when the album first dropped.
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She has been particularly moved by the response from younger audiences, describing how the song has helped build a bridge between different musical generations. In an interview with Sowetan, Sephuma credits the album's lasting appeal to the fact that it was never aimed at a single age group. The intention from the very beginning, she explains, was to create music that could connect with people across time.
'Mama Judith' and lessons from the industry
Younger fans have taken to calling her ‘Mama Judith’, a nickname she has embraced warmly. Sephuma views it as a deeply African expression of respect and an acknowledgement of her standing within the music community.
Reflecting on how South African music has evolved, from neo-soul through to the amapiano era, she sees each new sound as part of a continuing musical conversation built on the foundations laid by earlier artists.
Looking back at her journey, Sephuma offers candid advice to her younger self: stay focused, trust your talent, and never compromise who you are for the sake of fitting in. She adds that understanding your value in the industry is essential because music is not just an art form; it is also a business.
The Iya Iyo (Remixes) EP stands as both a tribute to a remarkable debut and a living example of how great music continues to find new audiences long after its first release.
Judith Sephuma shares her health journey
Judith Sephuma opened up about a high blood pressure scare and severe fatigue that pushed her to overhaul her lifestyle.
The jazz icon told Kaya 959's DJ Fresh and Thato how she went from 15-minute walks to completing a Hyrox fitness event.
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Source: Briefly News
