Local jazz singer and songwriter Natalie Rungan recently received an international award for her lively and introspective music.
Ms Rungan, a Rhodes University Music and Musicology PhD candidate won the international Akademia Music Grand Award for her Jazz EP There’s A Sound in My Head. The album was composed as the creative foundation of her PhD and it reflects on her musical journey, the life turns and revelations that shaped her into the artist and teacher she is today.
Currently the director of the Chris Seabrooke Music Centre and Head of Music at Durban High School, Ms Rungan said as a musician, she had always written songs people can relate to.
“I’m grateful for this award and believe it’s just the start of things to come. I’m also humbled by it,” said Ms Rungan.
The Akademia Music Award recognises top musical talent from across the globe. Receiving the award is a significant win for Ms Rungan, as she has often pushed the boundaries of jazz incorporating different genre elements.
“Many have told me that this could be problematic because people like boxes,” she said. “This award has reassured me that my sound has a place and has been recognised for what it is.”
The Akademia Awards, based in Los Angeles (US), admired this quality of Ms Rungan's fusion style, saying it “opens up an entirely new set of possibilities for the genre.”
Ms Rungan said the Akademia Award had “given her the courage to keep writing songs that push boundaries”.
In addition to this feather in her cap, last month, she signed with a new record label, Child of the Light Records, owned by SAMA-award-winner and her long-time friend, Ernie Smith and is looking forward to what unfolds from this partnership.
Ms Rungan’s PhD studies are being supervised by Dr Boudina McConnachie and features warm and rounded vocals and spiritual instrumentals.
The Durban-born composer has written a song for each chapter of her thesis that is easy on the ears, reverberating with the smooth sounds of jazz, R&B, gospel and pop.
“The album is profoundly contemplative. The musical direction was guided by the subconscious rather than deliberately intending to be placed in the jazz genre,” said Ms Rungan.
Spreading her love of music by going into education some time after her undergraduate degree from the University of KwaZulu Natal, Ms Rungan said teaching music came naturally to her.
Before going into education, Ms Rungan spent a few years recording, touring and establishing her performance career.