Following a two year journey of self- rediscovery, after the release of her seventh album in 2017, The Queen of Afro Jazz, Judith Sephuma, has come back to provoke thoughts and emotions through music with her latest Afro Jazz album titled Power of Dreams, launched on 2 May 2019 at the Market Theatre.
The multi-award winning artist and an acclaimed prolific, versatile singer gave this album time needed to produce a mesmeric and enchanting artistry that would provide solace and a magical experience for her music lovers, while they enter into her world through the Power of Dreams.
“The Power of Dreams album emanates from a fountain of inspiration by music, love and life itself. I missed my sound from a long time ago, and this propelled me to step away from my comfort zone, and allow myself to open my mind up to new ideas. To achieve this, I had to be in the best place mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually. Once I got into that place the creative juices began to flow, and I knew it was time to package a beautiful album that would bare my soul, and allow for powerful connections. I wanted to write and produce my work for a change and I did it,” says Sephuma.
The album, recorded, mixed and mastered at Orange Peel Studios in Atlanta – USA is produced by Sephuma herself, and US based Joseph Williams, who has worked with great artists and bands such as Prince, Bobby Brown , BBD and the Circle View, as well as being Sephuma’s musical director while in South Africa.
This album boasts tracks for every occasion, moment and emotion. It opens up with a Samba feel good happy song "Dance" inspired by the love Sephuma has for her friends that she describes as ‘great friends that I will not trade for anything and have been the same friends forever’. It is also remixed as a bonus track by Prince Bulo.
"Maropeng" is a medium tempo song that is about celebrating where we come from, and the importance of always remembering the beauty of home.
True to the inspiration behind this album, Sephuma says that the medium tempo slow song "A man like you" is about celebrating love. “On this track I got all kinds of artistic, I added a dash of Italian, some Spanish, and my favourite language, Sepedi. Here I am celebrating the beauty of love. That’s all.”
In perfecting this masterpiece, Sephuma worked with some of the great giants in the music industry.
“We had the pleasure of working with the most amazing musicians, Joel Powel who is my co-writer, Clarence "TLee" Hill on Keys who is also my co-writer, a member of 4 Koners; amazing guitarist, Tomi Martin, who has worked with Toni Braxton and Michael Jackson, TLC and Madonna; Mark Strowbridge a grammy-nominated guitarist. In remembering the importance of home, and adding that home touch, our very own phenomenal Percussionist - Tlale Makhene - also played on this album,” says Sephuma.
“Power of Dreams will not only appeal to jazz aficionados but to all music lovers out there,” concludes Sephuma.
For further information contact:
Khanya PR – Helga Klizanie: Helga@khanyapr.co.za or
Nono Matuwane: nono@khanyapr.co.za or 010 900 2556
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