ABOUT NATALIE RUNGAN

Natalie Rungan is a well-known performer in the jazz/gospel circles. She was born in the city of Durban and graduated from the University of Natal with a Master’s in Music in the year 1999. The Old Mutual National Jazz Encounters competition award winner has taught jazz vocals at the University of Natal in the jazz studies program. Her smooth vocal styling honed by hours of tireless practice and superior knowledge of jazz saw her travel from Harare, Zimbabwe to Boston, New York, Germany, Scotland, and Sweden as a student. Natalie recorded her second album “This is me” with South African Victor Masondo, featuring world-renowned saxophonist Gerald Albright and Kwaito star, Mandoza.

to inspire through my music, to affect change wherever I can, and to positively influence the next generation by providing hope and more opportunities for them than were available to me.”

In addition to being a superstar, Natalie is also a wife and enjoys spending time with her pet rabbit, Fletcher. Natalie found her jazz feet in a childhood surrounded by music. She recalls listening to her mum singing in the kitchen during the early hours of the morning and speaks highly of her musician father, who was a drummer in a popular Durban dance band in the 70s, acknowledging them as her two earliest influences. This, she believes is what started her journey. From an early age, Natalie also sang in church, but it was in high school that she realized there was something within her that needed an outlet.

The passionate singer has worked on both national and international platforms with some of the country’s best artists including PJ Powers, Zahara, Danny K, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Sibongile Khumalo and Ernie Smith. She has also performed with the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra on numerous occasions, including performances with Loyiso Bala, Toya Delazy, Melanie Lowe, and Ard Matthews. One of her greatest highlights was being invited to sing at the official memorial service for our nations father, Nelson Mandela in Soweto in December 2013.

To date, Natalie has released a total of 7 albums with ‘’There’s a sound in my head’’ being her latest album release. She recently signed with Child of the Light records. A record label owned by the legendary Ernie Smith, based in Amanzimtoti, Durban.