South African jazz and Afro-soul singer Judith Sephuma is commemorating 25 years since her debut album "A Cry, A Smile, A Dance" was released. To mark the occasion, she has launched the "Iya Iyo" (Remixes) EP, which features the original recording alongside three new interpretations by local producers Stixx, Shazmicsoul, and C-Blak. This project is more than just a fresh take on an old song; it showcases how music can transcend generations, genres, and audiences.
The song "Iya Iyo" has been a staple in Sephuma's live performances for 25 years, and its enduring popularity is a testament to the impact of her debut album. Released in October 2001, "A Cry, A Smile, A Dance" included hits like "Mmangwane", "Le Tshephile Mang", and "A Cry, A Smile, A Dance". Sephuma attributes the song's longevity to the album's overall success, saying that people still listen to it today. The album has become a significant part of the soundtrack of many South Africans who grew up in the early 2000s.
The remixes on the "Iya Iyo" EP bring a new perspective to the classic song, with producers Stixx, Shazmicsoul, and C-Blak offering their unique interpretations. Stixx, who grew up listening to Sephuma's music at home, aimed to combine jazz and Amapiano elements in his remix. Shazmicsoul, who discovered the song in primary school, focused on telling an urban story through his interpretation. C-Blak, a veteran house producer, built his remix around Sephuma's vocal, introducing the song to a new generation of listeners.
For Sephuma, the remixes are a reminder that music does not have an expiry date. She encourages younger artists to reinterpret older music while respecting the essence of the original. The singer believes that allowing artists to explore and express their creativity is essential to the evolution of music. This openness to evolution is reflected in her own career, as she continues to connect with new generations of listeners and explore different genres.
The "Iya Iyo" remix project is significant because the producers involved grew up hearing the song themselves. This personal connection is evident in their remixes, which bring a fresh perspective to the classic song. Sephuma is pleased with how the remixes have turned out, saying that they represent a beautiful evolution of "Iya Iyo". The project demonstrates that music can unite people across generations and genres.
Sephuma's career spans 25 years, during which she has watched her music travel from parents' speakers to the playlists of their children. The "Iya Iyo" remix project feels like another chapter in that journey, where the past and present coexist in the same song. The singer rejects the idea that music should be divided into "old" and "new", instead believing that there are just beautiful, timeless songs that unite people and break barriers.
As Sephuma looks to the future, she is already working on new projects, including a gospel live recording. The "Iya Iyo" (Remixes) EP is a testament to her enduring legacy, and she hopes that her music will continue to inspire and unite listeners for years to come. With her catalogue, Sephuma aims to write music that will forever be in people's ears and hearts, music that transcends time and generations.
Key points
- Judith Sephuma marks 25 years since her debut album with a four-track "Iya Iyo" EP featuring remixes by Stixx, Shazmicsoul, and C-Blak.
- The remixes bring a new perspective to the classic song, showcasing how music can transcend generations, genres, and audiences.
- Sephuma encourages younger artists to reinterpret older music while respecting the essence of the original, promoting the evolution of music.
