Judith Sephuma Returns with New Album ‘When Winter Fades’
After a five-year hiatus, South Africa’s multi-platinum and award-winning singer Judith Sephuma is back with her latest album, When Winter Fades. Released today, October 31, the 8-track afrojazz project was recorded live in the studio with her full band and is available on all streaming platforms. This marks Sephuma’s first studio album since 2019’s Power of Dreams.
Produced by Job Thako and mixed and mastered at Audio Mix, When Winter Fades highlights Sephuma’s soulful warmth, emotional honesty, and musical sophistication. The album reflects her evolution as an artist while staying true to the qualities that have made her one of South Africa’s most cherished voices.
A statement about the release reads, “When Winter Fades captures Sephuma in her purest artistic form, thoughtful, inspired, and unafraid to evolve. It’s an album that invites listeners to pause, reflect, and rediscover the warmth that follows every winter.”
The album rollout began earlier this month with the release of the lead single, Back To Love, which has already resonated with fans. Sephuma explained that selecting a lead single was difficult because each track is special, but she chose Back To Love because it reconnects her to the core of her musical journey. “Music is my first love, and this song brings me back to that truth,” she shared.
Listeners can also look forward to standout tracks such as Mokete, Call My Name, and Makeba, a heartfelt tribute to the legendary Miriam Makeba. The song honors Makeba’s influence, alongside inspirations from Letta Mbulu and Sibongile Khumalo.
Reflecting on the album’s title, Sephuma notes, “We must always remember that seasons change. Life is not static—each season teaches us lessons about joy, renewal, and rest. The rhythm of the seasons mirrors the rhythm of life itself.”
When Winter Fades reinforces Judith Sephuma’s place as a leading voice in South African music, offering listeners a blend of emotional depth, refined musicianship, and timeless afrojazz artistry.
