The jazz composer who started a conversation with music

The jazz composer who started a conversation with musicBenjamin Jephta doesn't want to radically change anybody's view, he just needs audiences to listen to the music'.

by Rafieka Williams

16-08-2023 21:22

in Culture

Bassist and Music lecturer Benjamin Jephta. Image: Hymie Sokupha

Recognised locally alongside music composers such as Kyle Shepherd and Nduduzo Makathini, Benjamin Jephta says his greatest influence was his father, Fred Kuit his former teacher at Muizenberg High School, and jazz musician Sammy Webber.

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With an almost transcendental 9 minute introduction of An Incomplete transition, the familiarity of Gadija and the peaceful melodies of Resurgence, Benjamin Jephta says his latest 6-track EP was created around the concept of one idea, one sound, one story .

Reception to jazz music EP Born Coloured Not Born Free What people said about Jephtas music when it was released in July. The jazz composer, will perform at Cape Town theatres in September. Source: Benjamin Jephta instagram What people said about Jephta's music when it was released in July. The jazz composer will perform at Cape Town theatres in September. Source: Benjamin Jephta instagram ALSO READ: Msaki, Dumza Maswana to hit Joy of Jazz stage this November

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Jephta has strong views on what it's like to be an independent artist in South Africa, based in Johannesburg he also lecture's music at the University of the Witwatersrand.

Jephta is not a politician, I'm a jazz performer' There is an unfair pressure put on entertainers and artists about ideas on what it means to make it'. Music and art is super subjective and being in the music industry is the same as having a job. I make a very comfortable living, he said.

I've been very lucky, Jephta said, having done composition for the film and tv industry, he is currently working on a project involving an African superhero.

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Jephta says he can't give away too much but has done sheet music for production studios, television broadcasters, streaming platforms like Showmax and worked on the Academy Award nominated film Barakat'.

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The bassist shares stern views on western ideals of classical music for anyone who wants to box his musical prowess, he said, I don't do western classical music, I'm a jazz performer.

The music carries its own message, and while there may be those who don't fully comprehend or agree with the title, Jephta believes the music still does the job.

The music can still capture them where my words might not I don't need to radically change your view, I just need you to listen to the music, Jephta said.

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