Benjamin Jephta - Born Coloured, not Born-Free (2023) Hi Res

South African Bassist and Composer, Benjamin Jephta releases new music that reflects on his experience as a so-called ‘Coloured’ in post-Apartheid, democratic South Africa. He dissected his experience and created music centred around important themes.

The themes explored in this deeply personal project includes ‘transformation’, ‘the coloured identity’, ‘the coloured and black relationship’ and ‘the coloured mentality’. His aim is to inspire and create a sense of hope, empowerment and unity in the South African experience, rather than alienating with a radical political approach.

The compositions draws musically from traditional South African styles such as the Ghoema/Cape Jazz and Marabi music as well as modern African music idioms such as Gqom (a style of ‘house’ music), kwaito and hip-hop

Born Coloured’ not Born Free will be released on the 2nd June on Jephta’s label Akoustik Elektrik Music and distributed online via Platoon. The album was fully realised thanks to the generous support of the SAMRO Music Creation Fund.