Meet the gorgeous and multi-talented singer/song-writer Jerusha.
Born Jerusha Naidoo, she hails from the warm city of Durban, on the east coast of South Africa. After chart topping singles “Are u the one?” and “For Life” off her debut album "Got To Have It" (Universal/Mama Dance), she has established herself as a South African R&B/Pop singing sensation.
Jerusha made history as the first Indian woman to break into the mainstream music industry in South Africa. Her debut single achieved the unprecedented feat of topping radio charts for six consecutive weeks. Her debut album spawned another number one hit and earned Jerusha a large following.
She has proven to be as hot on stage as on the screen and on the airwaves. Her stage career started with Cape Town based R&B girl group “Essential”. Her solo career kicked off following an appearance on the hit reality TV series Coca-Cola Popstars. She was immediately signed by Craig McGahey of Mama Dance Music and has co-billed with the likes of Ja-Rule, Freshly Ground, Danny K, Jae, Verd, Afro Z, Bianca Le Grange,Red Angel and many other top-notch artists. She was one of two South African Acts chosen by MTV for the road-show to promote the prestigious Nelson Mandela “46664” Concert to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS, a world health issue that is close to her heart. Jerusha performed in London in the SA Solidarity Festival in benefit of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund.
Currently based in New York, Jerusha has set her sights on international success. Her highly anticipated forthcoming album, titled Jerushalem, has been recorded in the UK, USA, Serbia, Sweden and South Africa, working with producers who have worked with the likes of Madonna, Brittany Spears and Tom Jones. One of her songs on her new album has already been covered and released in China.
When asked to describe her latest album, Jerusha explains it was a journey of self-discovery in artistic expression. Coming from a conservative cultural background, Jerusha touches on issues of gender identity, sexual orientation, sexual expression, and abandonment; topics that are ‘hushed up’ in typical South African and Indian culture. When asked about the slightly controversial title of the album Jerushalem, she explains that her mother named her partly after the city of Jerusalem, and that her name is actually Hebrew for inheritance. “I have always found it fascinating that one city can hold such historical and religious power. Recording this album was definitely a struggle for me artistically. It has been a step in a new, bold direction. I hope people will appreciate it and see it in a positive light. The messages are simple, positive and meant to bring joy in these difficult times we live in. In addition, I hope to perform in Jerusalem one day!”
Apart from being a talented musician, Jerusha is a practicing medical doctor. She served as a military doctor in strife-torn Liberia as a member of the United Nations humanitarian effort and was chosen by Love Life (South Africa’s largest HIV/AIDS Awareness Organization) as a role model for South Africa’s youth. She featured as an icon in Love Life’s “Get Attitude” campaign. If all of this was not enough, Jerusha also presented for popular TV Magazine program Eastern Mosaic at the International Indian Film Academy Awards in Sheffield, UK.
Jerusha is donating a large percentage of her forth-coming album sales to the non-profit organization Keep A Child Alive (www.keepachildalive.org). The organization supports projects throughout Africa with a focus on children orphaned by AIDS.
She currently practices family medicine part-time in Ireland.
As a South African musician and medical doctor, Jerusha recognizes her responsibilities to her fellow South Africans and works hard to actively inspire the youth of South Africa, particularly during this time when the country is struggling to deal with the difficult problems of crime, HIV/AIDS and drug abuse. “In a post-Apartheid era, many still remain dis-empowered by social apathy and low self-esteem,” she explains. “I am the eldest of three daughters of a single mother. Having grown up in the Indian township of Chatsworth, I understand the difficulties in following one’s dream, and of trying to succeed despite the doubts and struggle that are part and parcel of growing up in a disenfranchised community”.
Heyyy Jerusha, its Steven from 8Trill Australia - I am currently in South Africa and working on the Garden Route - call me when your in South Africa on 0789856426 in relation to having you perform in George and other surrounding areas. Would like to support your new album release and hold events where you will perform live. STONES Mossel Bay is looking forward to you performing for them. Await to hear back from you. God bless
In May 2008, our company in collaboration with Eden Municipality - Garden Route Sth Africa and Eden FM organised a youth day which featured Hip Hop Artist PROKID now known as PRO - I am wondering firstly are you in South Africa at the moment and secondly would you be honoured to perform at our next annual event for the youth. Looking forward to hearing from you. God bless
I know it’s been a minute since I’ve been by your page. Just wanted to check in on you and see how things are coming along on your end. When you get a minute, please check out my director Evan Winter’s four brand new music videos at http://www. evanwinter. com/index2. php if you haven't done so already. We are extremely excited about the new work. Hit me back at mkmmanagement@aol. com after you have a chance to view. Speak soon.
Hi J, hope all is well, not sure when the Jazz Thieves Debut Album is going to be completed but it's in workings..only getting limited time at the moment, the studio is now in my house...will keep you updated..peace..D
I hope you & your family are enjoying an EZ weekend. I just dropped "Be Forever Love" on my MySpace. Once again, I want to give you SERIOUS props for this excellent Henry Mancini remix with my dear friends the Jazz Thieves. By far, one of my alltime favorite Drum&Bass songs.
Hey superstar !!!! Yeah if you think the guy is hot, and can deliver, then why not im cool, i trust ion your judgement. So its absolutely fine by me. When are you gonna get fired up girl XXX
HEY J, HOW R U DOING? WORKING DA NEW ALBUM THATS ALL FOR NOW OH AND SHOOTING OTHER VIDEOS. WATSUP ON UR SIDE? OH AND HOW IS KERRI UR SIS? SEND ME HER NUMBER PLZ. THANX.
HEY JERUSHA THANX FOR THE ADD. WOW GREAT SEING AND HEARING FROM U AFTER SO LONG. WE MET AT A CLUB CALLED COLOSSEUM IN TONGAAT SOUTH AFRICA WHEN U FIRST BROKE OUT ONTO THE MUSIC SCENE. U GAV ME AN AUTOGRAPHED POSTER AND CD WHICH AS STOLEN AT THE END OF THE NIGHT LOL. ANYWAYS U HAVE SOME GREAT TRACKS AND I LIVE IN THE STATES NOW AS WELL. SO WHO KNOWS MAYBE WE WILL MEET UP AGAIN. TILL THEN KEEP WELL AND KEEP UP THE GOOD MUSIC
