Durban jazz and R&B star Natalie Rungan has kicked off her national tour which sees her getting Up Close & Personal with fans. Speaking to ECR’s Anisa Ussuph Natalie explained that the concept is something she’s tried for the first time: “It’s very intimate. We’re maxing about 250 people at any time. The music ranges from original compositions I wrote for this particular tour to stuff I’ve written for other albums.”
Natalie points out that no two shows are the same because she chooses the songs depending on the audience’s reaction and the general mood of the night. ‘Sometimes you get very responsive audiences; they’re warm and interactive and other times people just want to listen; they want to fold their arms and just take in the music. We’ve got 21 songs on our list but there’s not particular order. What we play next depends entirely on what the audience is feeling and what I’m feeling.” That makes each performance original and unique.
Natalie is joined onstage by her longtime friend and keyboardist Mark Royeppen and drummer Bruce Baker.
When she’s not dazzling fans onstage, Natalie loves working up a sweat at gym. For the past 18 months, she’s been training in mixed martial arts that includes, boxing, kickboxing and animal training. “It’s hardcore; it’s fun. And I think I’m addicted to it somewhat!”
Catch Natalie live in action for one night only in Kloof at Bluestockings on 19 April at 7pm.
Ticket price – R85 for online bookings.
