Durban North artist launches seventh album

SHE always knew that she could sing from a young age, but never thought that she would become so passionate and music, jazz in particular, and would one day basically not be able to live a day without music in her life.

Natalie Rungan, a jazz vocalist, teacher and mentor, who now lives in Durban North has graced many stages and platforms with her beautiful voice and now wants to develop the singing skill and talent in children.

Her seventh album, which has just launched, is aimed at just that so if you are someone, or know of someone, especially a school-going child who has an interest and love for jazz music, read on.

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“My latest album is a simplified version of jazz as many people say the genre is something they can’t understand. I want to change this mindset which is why the album comprises a set of well-known songs. It’s a suggested grade 3 level tutorial that teaches the language of jazz step by step and is perfect for incorporating into the school syllabus. Teachers can use their own guidelines to teach jazz to the children, however am also happy to give my advice if needed,” said Natalie.

The opportunity to record the album presented itself earlier this year when the Southern African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO) sent out a call for proposals for their SAMRO Music Creation Fund. Natalie was one of the recipients which helped towards funding the album.

“For the last five years, I have been teaching music. I decided to teach music to children, because if we as artists, don’t do this, the industry suffers tremendously because there are no skills being developed. I noticed this when I stood on stage the audiences were the same. Then I thought that we have to get this generation involved in jazz and that’s when I started the programmed at Durban High School,” she said.

“Ever since then I’ve been trying to develop programmes to get children more interested in jazz,” she said.

She is the director at Chris Seabrooke Music Centre and the Head of Music at Durban High School.

Being born into a musical family, Natalie is the daughter of Selva Rungan, a founder member and drummer of the famous Durban band called The Raiders.

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“I sang at church and at school functions. People would ask me to sing so I knew I could, but I wanted to pursue a career in veterinary science. Music was my second option when I applied to universities. Veterinary science was no longer an option as a percentage of the course was in Afrikaans at the time, so I went along with music,” said Natalie.

Her second choice in career became her first love in life and at the age of 19, Natalie had performed overseas as a university student, toured and played in festivals.

“I compose my own lyrics and express my thoughts, ideas and experiences about the many truths and faces of what I believe life and love to be,” she said.

This is the first of three albums of the series. The album will be available on Bandcamp from August 9 and on all digital platforms in September at the cost of R50.