Benjamin Jephta Marks 10 Years in Music with New Single and Album
Benjamin Jephta is celebrating a decade in music with fresh sounds, bold collaborations, and a heartfelt tribute to South Africa’s jazz legacy. The 33-year-old bassist and composer recently released his new single, Still I Rise (Part 1), inspired by Maya Angelou’s iconic poem.
The track features Kujenga, Linda Sikhakhane, Ndabo Zulu, and Leagan Breda, bringing together some of South Africa’s most exciting talent. It sets the stage for Jephta’s highly anticipated album, Homecoming Revisited, scheduled for release on 19 September.
For Jephta, this project goes beyond music, reflecting on the journey that brought him to this milestone. “Still I Rise is about rising above circumstances, history, and even your own doubts. As a South African artist, that message resonates deeply. It speaks to our collective story but also to my personal journey of navigating this industry for the past decade,” he said.
Over the past ten years, Benjamin has built a reputation as one of the country’s most exciting contemporary jazz voices, bridging tradition with innovation. He has toured internationally, performed with world-class musicians, and inspired a new generation of South African artists.
Memorable moments for Jephta include audiences singing along to his compositions, young musicians sharing how his work influenced them, and seeing South African stories resonate on global stages.
Homecoming Revisited is Jephta’s love letter to South African jazz, honouring the past, celebrating the present, and imagining the future. He aims for listeners to feel connection, resilience, and hope in every note.
Beyond music, Benjamin credits his evolution as a person—from becoming a father to teaching and travelling—for shaping the artist he is today. By incorporating Afro-beats, hip-hop, and mbaqanga influences, he keeps jazz alive and relevant for contemporary audiences.
This ten-year milestone marks both reflection and a bold step forward. Benjamin Jephta is proving that jazz can stay fresh and powerful while remaining rooted in South Africa’s rich musical heritage.
