Jenn recently released “Time To Dream”, her first single for the year. The Christ Gospel Radio reached out to Jenn to find out more about her music, inspiration, being a production agency, and many more
For those who haven’t heard of you before, can you tell us a bit about yourself?
My name is Jenn and I am from New Zealand. I am a born again Christian, music production agent, songwriter, gospel recording artist, guitarist and pianist. I was born in South Africa and migrated to New Zealand with my husband and 3 children. I play music in my local church band. I’ve been playing since I was 10 years old, I love music and I love to encourage people. I released 6 singles on the digital platforms since June 2020.
You are a born again Christian, would you mind sharing with fans across the globe the story behind your salvation
I have been a Christian all my life but truly started serving God when I was 18 and relocated to another city called Johannesburg back in South Africa. I started attending a local church and my relationship with Christ really developed and grew as I started to learn more about the word and God really started working in my life.
Talking of your relationship with Christ, you said it really developed and grew. As a believer, how do you deepen your relationship with Christ?
By reading and studying the word, I started Bible study this year. Praying & worshipping, making an effort to learn more about Jesus but most importantly, talking to HIM as a friend.
You love music am I correct?
Yes, indeed.
What first got you into music?
My passion and I come from a family of musicians and singers. So I grew up in that kind of environment with music all around me so I guess it’s in my blood. I believe it’s my purpose to minister through music.
Family of musicians, as in professional musicians?
Playing as a passion and playing in church bands but not professionally, It’s a natural gift
You have released 6 singles on the digital platforms since June 2020, please tell our fans all your singles titles and years released
Time to dream – 2022, Reach out – 2021, Desperate to You – 2021, My Lord my Strength- 2020, Born to worship- 2020, Merry Christmas- 2020,
ISRC AUMEV2185537
Time to Dream – 2022
“Time to Dream” was released on January 1st 2022, featuring Leanora did you write the lyrics?
Yes, I did. Leanora is my 8 year-old daughter and it was actually her idea to motivate people for the new year and so I wrote the song for her to sing.
What would you be doing right now, if it wasn’t for your music career?
Music is actually what I do part time. I work full time and I am a mother of 3. I would have loved to be involved in music full time. I work in IT, data, finance and systems.
Are you are a geek?
Sure,I am. I used to always top my class in school.
Who inspired you to make music?
I have always written songs since I was young. The Holy Spirit lays something on my heart and I write. I look around and observe the world around me and then get inspired to write to encourage people. I am inspired by what is happening around me to motivate people.
Did you start releasing singles in June 2020, which was at the peak of the global pandemic?
Yes that is exactly when we were in lockdown here in New Zealand and my producer back in South Africa was also in covid lockdown, I wanted to motivate people to look to God and not earthly circumstances
How do you feel the Internet & technology has impacted the music industry?
It’s an absolute craze around social media and advertising with the tools we have now. The internet has made music to be much more easily communicated to people around the globe. It has helped people to connect and network via the internet, It has also helped artists to showcase their talents and make their music universal.
What is your favourite song to perform? excluding Time to Dream
I love playing ‘Again I say rejoice’ by Israel Houghton. The arrangements are awesome and it’s just such an exciting vibey song to jam with the band…. With my own songs, I love ‘Desperate for You’. It’s a simple piano piece and I do enjoy playing a good piano song.
Which famous musicians do you admire?
I love the musicians in the gospel bands Planetshakers and Hillsongs. Absolutely talented. Israel Houghton plays amazing guitar, love it. I also like Jonathan Butler.
What is the most trouble you’ve ever gotten into?
I remember when I was still in school my cousin and I had taken my uncle’s vehicle for a spin without his knowledge and the neighbours had thought someone had stolen the van so they called the police, there was such a big drama about it but it became a good laugh years later.
What is the best advice you’ve been given?
Never look down on yourself no matter what you go through in life, there is a God who loves you and watches over you. Don’t judge yourself by your past. No one is too bad to become good. I’ve learnt valuable lessons in life
If you could change anything about the gospel music industry, what would it be?
I would change the popularity between secular and gospel. At this time with the challenges we are facing, the nations around the world need to hear about Christ and hear Holy Spirit inspired music. We definitely need more of Christ via any medium
What was your worst performance?
I played at weddings and funerals often in South Africa and made the mistake one day to play a funeral song at a wedding when it was a freestyle playing session, quite embarrassing I must say.
What was your best performance?
Always on a Sunday morning worship performing for God Himself. I always imagine I’m playing before my King and I’ve got to be excellent about it.
What are your favourite musical genres, and are there any you dislike?
I absolutely love jazz and house music as we call it in South Africa. Very up-tempo and lots of bass. I also love classical music. Nothing that I really dislike.
As a musician, I’ve learnt that you have to feed your ears so I listen to all types of music
What would you say is your greatest weakness as an artist?
Not starting earlier in life. I’ve always played music and always had this dream to record but life happens and you sometimes tend to neglect those things you really want to accomplish. As a weakness, I’d say it’s procrastination but I’m doing better at going after my dreams now. I think it, plan it and do it.
Who would you most like to collaborate with?
I would love to play even a small part in one of the gospel bands like Planetshakers, Bethel or Elevation worship. Hillsongs is also an absolute favourite. Maybe you can introduce me to Ed Sheeran or Elton John one day
Don’t worry God will do it.
Amen
What is one message you would give to your fans worldwide?
Give life to your creativity and don’t be shy to be heard. Follow that voice within you and follow your dreams. There’s no limit to what you can do. Don’t procrastinate. The time is now. We are the salt and light.
What is the most useless talent you have?
I definitely think that no talent is ever useless as it says in the Word, every good and perfect gift is from above.
Do you sing in the shower? What songs?
Yes, I do. Mostly the songs from the cartoons and movies that my kids watch.
What message do you have for the upcoming gospel artists?
Don’t compare yourself to other artists. You are unique and talented and God blessed you with something so special. Let your light shine. BE BOLD!
What should we expect from you in the nearest future music-wise?
I haven’t sang any of my own compositions as yet. I have always been a musician but I really want to sing one of my own songs soon. I would like to do an album and also involve my children in the upcoming release.
How is Church service in New Zealand compared to South Africa?
I think every church service is unique with its own unique set of talented individuals but we all have one thing in common, and that is to serve. South African churches also do African gospel which is something I miss here.
you said earlier, that you are a music production agent?
Yes, that is right!
What does a music production agent do or what do you do as a music production agent
I found that as a new artist that’s it not as difficult to release music as I once thought and so the thought hit me that I can help others to do this. So I embarked on this new venture to groom songwriters and assist them to release music on the digital platforms and facilitate that recording and releasing process. I network with many radio stations around the world and love to help promote artists. Mainly gospel music. So basically from the start of having a raw song to the final end product and getting that song around in the world
let’s say we have an upcoming artist in Brazil, can you sign them up and help them launch their music
Absolutely, we are doing this with artists worldwide thanks to technology, We did Reach out across New Zealand, Qatar and South Africa
Okay, how can someone get signed up do you have a website or Facebook page?
You can message me via Facebook messenger-Jennifer Naidoo
Social media links:
https://www.facebook.com/nz.jenn
https://www.facebook.com/jennifer.natasen
Instagram: @jenn.nz_naidoo
Twitter: @jenn_naidoonz
Do you charge for this service?
Yes there are fees for the soundtrack, mixing and mastering, releasing the song, marketing etc. a full package deal, Even if you are a singer but not a songwriter, I have a package where you can feature on a song
You’re stuck on an island, it’s hot, you only have enough battery life left to listen to one song on your phone. What track is it?
A sky full of stars – Coldplay, the start of that song will motivate me
Thank you, Jenn, for your time, we look forward to having you live in our studio soon.
Connect with Jenn
Jenn | Facebook
@jenn.nz_naidoo | Instagram
@jenn_naidoonz | Twitter
Jenn – YouTube
