Natalie Rungan: A jazz maestro using music to heal and inspire

Jazz singing maestro Natalie Rungan believes that her God-given talent should be used to heal and serve others.

The songbird is also a respected songwriter, educator, and collaborator who has dedicated her life to creating and sharing music that connects with people’s hearts.

The Durbanite said she’s driven by the desire to leave something lasting; whether that’s in the form of a song that moves someone, a young person who finds their voice (not just the musical one), or a project that impacts the community.

She’s someone who values integrity, relationships, and using music as a tool for building communities, beyond the stage, and is passionate about mentoring young musicians and creating opportunities for them to grow.

Rungan is a Doctor of Philosophy, specialising in Music, and is currently the director of music at Durban High School (DHS). Her love for music began at home, inheriting some of it from her father, a drummer and founding member of the popular dance group “The Raiders”, from the 70s and 80s.

“I grew up surrounded by music from church to family gatherings. Music was a part of everyday life. Singing was as natural as breathing for me. I always knew music would be a central part of my journey, even before I could put it into words,” she said.

As a woman in the music industry, she was blessed to have worked with many male musicians who have treated her with genuine respect and recognised her as an artist.

“In those spaces, my voice, ideas, and creativity are valued equally, and collaboration flows naturally.”

She acknowledged that it isn’t always the case for women in the industry, and some have to “prove” why they belong there.

“For me, I’ve never felt I had to prove my worth as a female, but rather always as a musician, and that’s something every artist, male or female, experiences.

“Over time, I’ve learned that respect in this industry isn’t handed out freely; you earn it by consistently showing up prepared, delivering excellence, and holding your ground in your artistic choices.

"For me, it’s been about staying true to who I am musically, knowing my worth, and not letting anyone else define the limits of my craft.”

On her career highlights, Rungan said she has been blessed with many outstanding moments, especially the times she performed on international stages in Europe, Asia, and Africa.

She regarded her performances in Africa as incredibly rewarding, not just for the music, but for the cultural connections as well.

“Collaborating with exceptional musicians, such as my recent work with Ghanaian pianist and composer Victor Dey Jr, has also been a highlight.

“In 2024, I had the honour of leading and conducting the National Schools Jazz Band for the National Youth Jazz Festival, an experience that both challenged and inspired me.

"That same year, I also led an ensemble that opened for the Carnegie Hall Youth Orchestra, where US trumpeter Sean Jones featured on my composition Change.”

She said those experiences not only deepened her love for collaboration but also confirmed her strength and identity as a composer and arranger.

“It was amazing to see my work brought to life by talented musicians from across the world.”

Rungan said the journey to the top was not a smooth one. “There were challenges along the way.” She said the most difficult thing to maintain in the industry was longevity, and that the mistake most female artists make when they enter the industry is failing to balance personal life and family expectations with navigating bias and limited opportunities.

Presently she is working on new music that blended her jazz roots with African influences, a sound she is thrilled to share with audiences soon.

“In September, I’ll be releasing my latest music album, a collaboration with Ghanaian pianist and composer Victor Dey Jr.”

On the education front, I’m coordinating two major provincial school events: 'Shine' at the end of September, which showcases high school music programmes across KZN, and in October, the KZN Schools Drumline Competition, now in partnership with the annual Durban Drum Day.

“I’m developing initiatives to grow and expand the KZN Schools Jazz Festival.”

DAILY NEWS