Judith Sephuma Biography: Age, Husband, Children, Net Worth, Albums, Songs

Judith Sephuma, often hailed as the “Queen of Afro-Jazz,” is a renowned South African jazz, Afro-pop, and gospel singer whose melodic, sultry voice has enchanted audiences for over two decades.

Born on June 29, 1974, in Seshego, Limpopo, she has earned multiple platinum-selling albums and international acclaim for her versatile performances, blending jazz, gospel, and Afro-soul with profound authenticity.

Profile

• Full Name: Judith Sephuma
• Stage Name: Judith Sephuma
• Born: June 29, 1974
• Age: 50 years old
• Birthplace: Seshego, Polokwane, Limpopo, South Africa
• Nationality: South African
• Occupation: South African Singer, Songwriter, and Performer
• Height: 5’7
• Parents: Mr. and Mrs. Sephuma
• Siblings: Not publicly disclosed
• Spouse: Sphiwe Mhlambi (m. until divorced in 2016)
• Children: Four (three from Selaelo Selota, one from Sphiwe Mhlambi; names not fully disclosed)
• Relationship: In a relationship
• Net Worth: $1 million to $5 million

Early Life and Education

Judith Sephuma was born on June 29, 1974, in Seshego, Polokwane, Limpopo, South Africa. Raised in a supportive family by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Sephuma, she developed a passion for music at a young age, singing in church choirs and local gatherings. Her early exposure to music shaped her soulful style.

After completing high school at Khagiso High School, she attended the FUBA Academy Music School in Johannesburg in 1993, earning a Grade 5 Music Diploma. In 1994, she moved to Cape Town to study at the University of Cape Town’s South African College of Music, graduating in 1997 with a Performer’s Diploma in Jazz, later pursuing an Honours Degree in Jazz Performance.

Her ethnicity is South African, and she practices Christianity, which influences her gospel music.

Career

Judith Sephuma, an acclaimed singer and songwriter, began her career performing with bands like Selaelo Selota’s Taola, Meropa, and the Cape Symphonic Orchestra during her university years. In 1996, she joined pianist Gerry Spencer on a Symphony cruise, performing in exotic locations like Mauritius and Zanzibar, and later performed at the Fin de Siecle Festival in France with Meropa.

Her breakthrough came in 1999 when she won Best Jazz Vocalist at the Old Mutual Jazz Into The Future competition, securing a contract with BMG Africa’s Giant Steps imprint. Her debut album, A Cry, A Smile, A Dance (2001), achieved triple-platinum status and critical acclaim for its Afro-jazz fusion.

Subsequent albums include New Beginnings (2005), Change is Here (2008), I Am a Living Testimony (2011), A Legacy Live in Concert (2012, CD and DVD), and her debut gospel album The Experience LIVE in Concert (2013, CD and DVD, produced with Wilson Joel). Her 2015 album One Word introduced an Afro-funk jazz sound, while My Worship – Live (2017) and Power of Dreams (2019), recorded at Orange Peel Studios in Atlanta with artists like Mark Strowbridge, showcased her personal growth.

Judith has performed globally in the UK, USA, and Europe, collaborating with icons like Hugh Masakela, Jonathan Butler, and Michael Bolton. Notable performances include Thabo Mbeki’s 1999 inauguration and the North Sea Jazz Festival in Cape Town (2000). Her versatility shines in her ability to write her songs, own her narrative, and deliver authentic music.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @judith_sephuma
• Facebook Handle: Judith Sephuma
• Twitter Handle: @JudithSephuma

Personal Life

Judith Sephuma, a passionate singer and songwriter, was born and raised in Polokwane, Limpopo. She was married to Selaelo Selota, a fellow musician, with whom she has three children from their relationship in the late 1990s to early 2000s. She later married photographer Sphiwe Mhlambi, and they had two children, including a daughter, Mbalenhle, who tragically passed away in March 2014 at one month old, born prematurely at 32 weeks.

Judith and Sphiwe divorced in 2016, a decision she initiated to prioritize her personal growth, as shared in a True Love interview. As of June 2024, posts on X indicate she is in a relationship with a younger fitness trainer, though his identity remains private.

A proud mother of four, Judith balances her career with family life, emphasizing resilience and authenticity. Her faith and experiences, including a two-year sabbatical before Power of Dreams, have shaped her music and outlook. She remains a beloved figure, inspiring fans with her humility and grace.

Discography

• A Cry, A Smile, A Dance (2001) – Triple Platinum
• New Beginnings (2005)
• Change is Here (2008)
• I Am a Living Testimony (2011)
• A Legacy Live in Concert (2012, CD and DVD)
• The Experience Live in Concert (2013, CD and DVD) – Platinum
• One Word (2015)
• My Worship – Live (2017)
• Power of Dreams (2019)
• Notable singles: “Mme Motswadi,” “Tlo Moya O Halalelang,” “A Cry, a Smile, a Dance,” “Dance,” “Maropeng,” “A Man Like You”

Net Worth

Judith Sephuma, a prominent singer and songwriter, has an estimated net worth of $1 million to $5 million. Her wealth is derived from her successful music career, including multi-platinum album sales, international performances, and royalties from airplay and streaming platforms like Spotify.