If you have ever found yourself caught between wanting to sit still and feel the music… and wanting to stand up and testify just a little, then you already understand the magic of Judith Sephuma! And just when we thought we had her comfortably placed in our “Afro Jazz queen” box, she is reminding us that she was never meant to stay in one lane. On 4 July 2026, at the Theatre of Marcellus at Emperors Palace, Judith returns to the stage with Judith Sephuma Live in Concert — a two-hour musical experience that brings together her signature Afro Jazz sound, her deeply rooted gospel catalogue, and new music that signals an exciting new chapter. It’s been a while since fans last experienced her in full gospel mode, and if the whispers (and persistent fan requests) are anything to go by, then this return might just have a few people catching the Holy Spirit…or at the very least, goosebumps. Now in this exclusive interview with Africa Jamz FM News, we caught up with Judith to talk about this moment, the emotions behind her album When Winter Fades, and what happens when an artist listens not just to the music, but to the people who have been asking for more. In 2001, Judith released her triple-platinum debut album “A Cry, A Smile, A Dance”, which established her as a leading voice in Afro-jazz. Picture: Supplied Judith on her musical journey and homecoming concert Judith’s upcoming concert is all about a “musical homecoming,” mixing Afro Jazz, gospel, and some new material. As our conversation kicked off, she shared what this moment means to her and how her journey has led her here. “Every performance is truly special and with having been in this music journey for a while now it’s very important for me to keep making music that keeps us wanting to listen always. My career is so exciting because of my versatility, Jazz and gospel are a part of my journey,” said Judith. A return to Gospel Fans have been asking Judith to return to gospel ever since her My Worship project back in 2017. She spoke about what finally inspired her to step back into that space now, and how her relationship with gospel music has grown and changed over the years. “Yes they truly have. I think travelling with Jazz being my first love, as in its the genre I was introduced as and has kept me so busy. Gospel never leaves me, my love for it is deep and I am happy to be going back to in a recording. I think I am excited to sing new songs more than anything. New hymns,” said Judith. How When Winter Fades connects Jazz and Gospel Judith’s album When Winter Fades revealed a deeper, more emotional side to her sound. As our conversation continued, she explained how that body of work ties into the new gospel songs she will be performing at the concert. “When Winter Fades seals my jazz space. I am often torn between jazz and gospel because both genres are deeply rooted in who I am. The album speaks about healing, hope and renewal, and those themes connect naturally with the gospel songs I will be performing in this concert. For me, jazz and gospel are not separate worlds — one speaks to emotion and storytelling, while the other speaks to the spirit. This concert is a beautiful meeting of both,” said Judith. In 2006, Judith won three South African Music Awards (SAMAs) for her album “New Beginnings”, including Best Female Artist and Best Jazz Vocal Album. Picture: Supplied What fans can expect from the experience This concert is set to be a deeply emotional, carefully curated experience. Judith shared the kind of feeling she hopes people walk away with after spending those two hours with her. “All I want is for them to come expectant and ready to enjoy themselves fully to an absolutely memorable production. We have already started with the production and I know it will be very fulfilling for them. 2 hours of a cry, a smile a dance, new beginnings, they will experience When Winter Fades live in concert, and hymns and 1 or 2 new original gospel songs,” said Judith. Finding a balance between Afro Jazz and Gospel Judith has built a career moving effortlessly between Afro Jazz and gospel. She touched on whether she approaches storytelling differently in each genre, or if there’s a common thread that shapes her sound no matter the style. “It’s actually not been easy, it divides me. That’s why I have realised that my fans and listeners always expect both when I’m on stage so I will give them what they want. That’s fulfilling for me,” said Judith. As she continues to build on her success, Judith has remained versatile throughout her career, consistently showcasing her musical talent and producing high-quality work. Picture: Supplied What’s next after the concert? As our conversation wrapped up, I asked Judith: “As you step into this new creative chapter and reconnect with both your Afro Jazz and gospel roots, what can your fans look forward to next from you beyond this concert?” Here’s how she responded: “Beyond this concert is a lot of live performance and then a full gospel recording. Live in concert will be announced as soon as we are done with the planning and strategy for it. Get ready!,” said Judith. Tickets are now available via Webtickets at www.webtickets.co.za. HAVE YOU READ THIS ONE?: “I Miss You”: Lesedi Matsunyane Remembers Shona Ferguson on What Would Have Been His 52nd Birthday Post navigation Why Chunda Munki Keeps Coming Back to ULTRA South Africa: “No Stage Compares”
