Benjamin Jephta is a celebrated South African bassist, composer, and educator known for his innovative jazz compositions and impactful collaborations with renowned artists. With a rich career that spans both national and international stages, he explores themes of identity and community in his music, while also dedicating himself to nurturing future generations of musicians.
Benjamin Jephta is a highly acclaimed South African bassist, composer, producer, and educator, recognized as one of the country’s leading double and electric bass players. Born in Cape Town, Jephta began performing professionally at the age of 14, quickly establishing himself in the national jazz scene. He is a graduate of the University of Cape Town’s jazz program (2013), which laid the foundation for his multifaceted career.
Jephta’s career is marked by both national and international achievements. He has performed with a host of South Africa’s most celebrated jazz musicians, including Hugh Masekela and Sibongile Khumalo, and has been a regular session musician for various hip-hop and pop artists in South Africa. His versatility extends to television, where he has contributed to shows such as The Voice SA, Dancing with the Stars SA, and served as musical director for The Bantu Hour on SABC 2.
After completing his master’s degree at the Berklee Global Jazz Institute in Boston, Jephta moved to New York City. There, he performed with internationally renowned artists such as Danilo Perez, Terri Lyne Carrington, Jason Palmer, and Dianne Reeves, further expanding his global footprint. He later returned to South Africa and is currently based in Johannesburg.
Jephta has released at least two albums as a bandleader:
His sophomore album, The Evolution of an Undefined, was praised by Downbeat for its innovative approach, described as “contorted sketches from the notepad of an artist hell-bent on defining a sound and identity of his own. Yet, it’s a sound that brandishes remnants of the jazz tradition.” His music often explores themes of identity, community, and the complexities of post-apartheid South Africa, challenging stereotypes and reflecting on personal and collective experiences.
Jephta’s contributions have been widely recognized:
Beyond performance, Jephta is an accomplished composer for film and television. Notably, he scored the Cape Town nightclub-set TV series Skemerdans (Showmax). His work in this field demonstrates his ability to bridge jazz, film composition, and music production seamlessly.
Jephta is also dedicated to music education. He lectures in Jazz Studies and Film Composition at the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, nurturing the next generation of South African musicians.
Jephta’s artistry is deeply informed by his experiences growing up in post-apartheid South Africa. His music addresses the ongoing tensions and stereotypes within his community, using jazz as a vehicle for both personal expression and social commentary. He is seen as representative of a new generation of South African musicians who are redefining the country’s musical and cultural landscape.
