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Yeukai Karengezeka Arts Correspondent
Afro-folk music, that is usually characterised by African instruments and storytelling might not be popular in Zimbabwe but upcoming musician Natasha “Pearl” Doherty has taken up the genre with the aim of bringing a new colour to local showbiz.
Pearl (23) who was based in United Kingdom for the past 12 years returned home last year in September to focus on her music career.
The young star came alive on the local showbiz last year in October with a single christened “Take Control”, that received fair airplay.
She collaborated with the Mbare-bred dancehall chanter Dhadza D on the single, which was a fusion of dancehall and Afro-folk.
Pearl said it was easy for her to fall in love with music since her parents were into music.
“I loved music from childhood mostly because my parents were also musicians.
“I used to sing in the school choir and musical theatres. My dad once released an album and my mum used to work with Diamond Musica,” she said.
The songbird said she is working on a gospel single which is due for release in July.
“I will be releasing my new single titled ‘Keep Me Safe’, first week of next month. It’s a gospel track that encourages people to know and understand their roots in life, not
forgetting God who is the creator. I engaged students from Sunningdale 1 Primary School because I believe children’s talents should be nurtured at a tender age,” said Pearl.
Pearl started her musical career in 2011 and released her debut single “Autumn Sky” in 2012, which was later followed by another one called “Free” and both tracks were frequently played on Star FM.
She also had the opportunity to share the stage with the likes of the superstar Oliver Mtukudzi, Jah Prayzah, Knox, Winky D during their UK tours.
Apart from music, Pearl is a former model who has won prestigious crowns.
“I ventured into modelling in 2010 and I was crowned Miss Zim Diamond UK and in the same year. I also became Miss Valentine first runner-up.
“The following year I was crowned Miss Earth Leeds but my passion is in music, that is why I chose to come back home where my roots are. I abandoned modelling last year and chose music which I am more passionate about,” she said.
Pearl said musically, she is inspired by veteran mbira icon Ambuya Stella Chiweshe and Tracey Chapman and wishes to make collaborations with other local artistes.
“I would like to have more duets especially with other female artistes like Cindy and Ammara Brown so that I can mature in my music.
“In August I will collaborate with upcoming hip-hop rapper Synik,” she said.
Pearl was born in Harare on March 30, 1991 and did part of her primary education at Avondale Primary School.
When her parents relocated to Bulawayo, she continued with her education at Tennyson Primary School.
She then went to live and study in United Kingdom in 2001 and did her high school education at Thornhill College up to 2009.
She enrolled with Leeds Metropolitan University the same year and is now a holder of a degree in Politics and Peace, which she completed last year before coming to Zimbabwe.
Online Reporter