Iconic song gets a fresh sound through a new generation of producers
Award-winning South African jazz and Afro-soul singer Judith Sephuma is celebrating the 25th anniversary of her landmark debut album, A Cry, A Smile, A Dance, with the release of the Iya Iyo (Remixes) EP, arriving on 21 August 2026.
The four-track project features the original version of Iya Iyo alongside three contemporary reinterpretations by South African producers Stixx, Shazmicsoul and C-Blak, each of whom grew up listening to the song before becoming musicians themselves.
Speaking ahead of the release, Sephuma said the project reflects music’s natural evolution.
“Music has always been evolving, and we have to allow that evolution to happen,” she said.
A song that stood the test of time
Although Iya Iyo was not initially expected to become one of the standout songs from her debut album, Sephuma said it has remained a permanent fixture in her live performances for the past 25 years.
“Iya Iyo is not even the one song that I thought would be paid this much attention to. But from the minute it was released, I’ve never once not performed it in my set in 25 years. It is that one song that has always been there.”
She recalled that the original recording sessions were driven by optimism and a shared passion for making great music.
“There was just this energy for releasing great music,” she said.
Looking back, Sephuma said neither she nor her team anticipated the lasting impact of the album.
“All we wanted was for people to experience our gift and for the songs to be heard.”
Producers revisit a childhood favourite
For Amapiano producer Stixx, Iya Iyo is closely tied to childhood memories.
He said the song was constantly played at home because Judith Sephuma was his mother’s favourite artist.
A jazz enthusiast as well as an Amapiano producer, Stixx said his remix blends the musical sophistication of the original with contemporary Amapiano elements.
“I tried putting the song in the same element, but in an Amapiano pocket. I wanted to combine both worlds.”
Daveyton-born producer Shazmicsoul said he first heard Iya Iyo while still in primary school and immediately connected with its musical richness.
He praised the original production, saying its chord progressions and guitar work left a lasting impression on him from a young age.
Rather than recreate the classic, he said he wanted to present it through his own signature sound.
“I wanted to tell a Shazmicsoul urban story of this classic record.”
C-Blak bridges generations
House music producer and Be Blak Records founder C-Blak described remixing such an iconic song as both an honour and a responsibility.
He said his goal was to introduce younger audiences to the song while maintaining its original spirit.
“When I remix something iconic, I have to bring my own twist while introducing it to a new generation.”
C-Blak said he built his version around Sephuma’s unmistakable vocals, creating a remix that connects the past with today’s dance music landscape.
Celebrating musical evolution
Originally released in October 2001, A Cry, A Smile, A Dance introduced audiences to Judith Sephuma’s signature blend of jazz, Afro-soul and African storytelling. The album produced enduring favourites including Mmangwane, Le Tshephile Mang, A Cry, A Smile, A Dance, I Remember and Iya Iyo.
Twenty-five years later, Sephuma believes the new remixes demonstrate how music can continue connecting generations.
She said she was particularly moved by the respect the producers showed while reimagining the song.
“When these young gentlemen come and hear music the way they hear it, we’ve got to allow them the space to explore and let us enjoy their creativity. That’s exactly what they did with Iya Iyo.”
Sephuma added that she is encouraged by the younger generation’s continued appreciation of her music.
“They call me Mama Judith, Mama Judy, but they love my music so much. My music is really accepted across the board. The younger generation love it and can relate to it.”
The Iya Iyo (Remixes) EP features:
- Iya Iyo (Stixx Remix)
- Iya Iyo (Shazmicsoul Urban Mix)
- Iya Iyo (C-Blak Re-Visited Mashed-Up Remix)
- Iya Iyo (Original Version)
