New musical talent makes waves
JOBURG – Benjamin Jeptha is taking over the jazz scene with his smooth sounds.
At the beginning of this month, a young man took over The Orbit Jazz Club and City Buzz wanted to find out more about the young musician.
At just 24 years old, Benjamin Jeptha is already on South Africa’s music radar, heating up local music hotspots and unapologetically in love with jazz music – unlike the rap music-loving youth of today.
Why is Jeptha buzzing on all our newsfeeds?
He is the 2017 Standard Bank Young Artist of the Year in the jazz music category, and as the winner in this category, he explained his story.
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The Cape Town-born guitarist and bass player was also raised in the Mother City and found himself drawn to jazz through the influence of his musically-inclined father.
In his early teens, he was introduced to the music scene where he was able to perform in front of people, fans and music lovers. Now, the musician calls Johannesburg his home.
The musician has, during his long music journey, become a South African Music Award nominee and Wawela Award winner for Best Male Artist and Song of the Year, in addition to winning Standard Bank’s annual talent search.
Holding a residency at The Orbit from 6 to 11 June, he was able to round up his peers to create and perform with them in front of an audience of jazz lovers at this iconic venue.
“So grateful to all the musicians that I shared the stage with last week. Definitely, some beautiful moments created on stage,” he commented on his time at The Orbit.
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Next, he will be taking on the stages and audiences of the National Arts Festival (Naf) in Grahamstown at the end of this month.
“I feel like I’m able to travel and play with confidence in different African countries and in Europe and elsewhere because of the skills I got at the Standard Bank National Youth Jazz Festival. You get used to interacting and learning with great international stars early in your career. The experience helps you perform without the crippling intimidation of being next to your hero.”
Details: Benjamin Jeptha www.benjaminjeptha.co.za; National Arts Festival www.nationalartsfestival.co.za; Standard Bank Young Artist Awards www.artsmedia.standardbank.com
