Jasmine Cephas Jones Debuts New Single 'Brighter' to Honor What Would've Been Her Late Father's Birthday (Exclusive)
Mar. 15, 2025Jasmine Cephas Jonesis ready for her moment.
The Grammy and Emmy winner unveiled her new single “Brighter” featuring Kevin Garrett on Friday — honoring what would’ve been her late fatherRon Cephas Jones' birthday on Jan. 8 — and PEOPLE has the exclusive premiere of its accompanying short film.
“Brighter” is a bubbly R&B-pop track with positive lyrics aimed toward a loved one who makes you feel like the best version of yourself. “I swear you’re my light / And you just get brighter each time,” sings Jasmine, 34, on its chorus.
Jasmine Cephas Jones “Brighter” single artwork.Courtesy Jasmine Cephas Jones
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Courtesy Jasmine Cephas Jones
“I had to start with something fun. The beat is nostalgic,” theHamiltonoriginal Broadway cast member tells PEOPLE. “Lyrically, it’s about how your significant other brings out the light in you and makes you brighter. For me, that represents my family, friends, and the people I love who make me a better person and support me.”
The short film, which acts as the “Brighter” music video, finds Jasmine riding a horse, drinking from a red Solo cup and attending a kickback with friends on a western ranch in California.
Garrett, 32, appears at the gathering to perform his verse before joining Jasmine to jam out with the crowd for the track’s final chorus.
Jasmine Cephas Jones in Los Angeles in April 2023.Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images
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Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images
“The short film illustrates my growth as a person. The party represents my past… the person I was. The end represents the beginning of my journey finding my true self,” said theBlindspottingstar in a statement.
She continued, “Sometimes you have to leave home and leave everything you know to truly grow and to really understand who you are.”
Jasmine Cephas Jones and Ron Cephas Jones in Hollywood in June 2021.Michael Kovac/Getty Images
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Michael Kovac/Getty Images
Weeks after his death, Jasmineposted to Instagramto pay tribute to Ron and admit she’s had trouble accepting the fact he’s gone. “Grief,” she captioned the post at the time. “This one is a battle. I keep looking at my phone wanting to call you and wanting to hear your voice. You listened… you REALLY listened to me.”
Jasmine continued, “You valued my opinion and you never judged me. We all know you were a great actor but my God you were a damn good father.”
source: people.com
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