This week You! is in conversation with renowned singer Natasha Humera Ejaz, who shares her likes and dislikes with our readers…
you & me
Renowned for her distinctive singing style and diverse song writing approach, Natasha Humera Ejaz is a Pakistani singer-songwriter hailing from Islamabad. Fusing folk, jazz, and electronica, she debuted with ‘Today is a Place’ in 2010, produced by Sarmad Ghafoor. Featured in Uth Records in 2011, she evolved from an acoustic artist to a genre-defying solo/collaborative electronica artist, making her mark on Pakistan’s independent music scene. Notable works include ‘Footsteps of a Mermaid’ (2015), ‘Allahyar and the Legend of Markhor’ (2018), and ‘Gulabo Rani’ (2023).
Adding to her impressive portfolio, Natasha recently released her debut album, ‘Ordinary Miracle’, with collaborator Rishabh Rajan. Even amidst this achievement, she is gearing up for an upcoming music tour and co-curating a festival for the British Council with Pakistani artist, Mekaal Hassan.
Natasha embodies constant reinvention, from being Spotify’s Equal Ambassador for Pakistan to acting on-screen, performing with the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra, and leading music festivals through her label, ‘Tiny Dancer Live’. Whether in a studio, before a lively audience, or in an intimate setting, she dedicates her energy and passion to each project. A relentless learner, she fearlessly pushes boundaries, maintaining a larger-than-life spirit and a genuine love for her craft. Let’s get to know the likes and dislikes of this distinguished singer…
When did you first enter the field of singing?
When I was three.
Did you always want to pursue it as a career?
Yes!
What do you enjoy the most about your job?
Being in a room full of ideas and puzzling together something everyone is involved in is quite enjoyable.
The project that was your claim to fame:
The Tourism Malaysia ad I sang in 2013 while I was graduating from music school.
A project that you hold really close to your heart:
‘The Good Scene’ which is this festival I helped organise with Cape Monze Records in Karachi and Echo Records from Islamabad.
Your favourite songs sung by you:
‘Bol’ from Cake; ‘Believe’ with Gentle Robot and Adeel Tahir; and ‘Lights’ with Ali Suhail.
Do you have a hidden talent?
Comedy? I think I have a stand-up routine in me somewhere but it’s super hidden for now. (laughs)
Is there an art form you wish to dabble in?
Within music, I wish I gave some time to learning drums and the cello.
If you weren’t doing what you are doing today you would be…
A linguist.
What advice do you have for young aspiring singers?
Train from someone that understands your voice, and never stop practising.
What’s next on your bucket list?
I really want to do some kind of sky sports. Jump out of a plane or some other adventure sport.
At this point of life, what song can be your life’s theme song?
‘Phir Se Udh Challa’.
Your favourite genre in music:
Which is the one that combines all of them into one? That’s the one.
Your all-time favourite movies:
‘Arrival’ and ‘The Room’.
Your favourite singer and actor:
These days: Singers - Ganavya and Yebba; Actors - Brit Marling & Robin Williams.
Who’s your biggest inspiration:
My family.
The biggest misconception about you...
I don’t know, I don’t think people speculate so much about me. Or if they do, I haven’t heard about it.
Among your friends you are known as…
Energizer bunny!
Something very few people know about you as a person…
That I am actually a mad physicist who has dedicated her entire life to inventing a time machine.
One thing you like best about yourself:
I keep going.
What’s your most valuable possession?
My body, this life and time.
Define happiness in three words:
Nature, hugs, rest.
You are afraid of…
Becoming mean.
One thing that always cheers you up:
Love and affection.
Your idea of romance:
Shared experiences, affection and growth.
What’s your biggest turn off?
Lack of growth.
You are crazy about…
God and this mad system created by Him.
What do you usually wear in daily life?
Whatever is most comfortable. Mostly you’ll find me in glorified pyjamas.
Your favourite local and international designers:
Tena Durrani, Kamiar Rokni, Parishae Adnan, Umar Ejaz, Anuje Farhung & XII•X, locally. Admittedly, I am not that well versed with the international design circuit or fashion in general but I would trust stylist Law Roach with finding me something I’d like. Also, just want to give a tiny shoutout to local stylist Haiya Bokhari!
If you were stranded on an island, what are two things you’d want with you?
Nick Fury’s pager for Captain Marvel and a camera so I can take pictures when she comes to rescue me.
A style icon that you wish you could bring back from the dead?
My mom!
If you could be one fictional character, who would it be?
I’ve made my own! Her name is Gigi and she’s a universe traversing ‘Experience Jockey’. She’s featured in my work under ‘Stupid Happiness Theory’. Mariam Ali helped me conceptualise her and bring her to life in the music video for ‘Have A Little Faith’.
One food that you can eat forever:
Cashew nuts.
How do you spend your Sundays?
Firmly attached to my bed, unless it’s a working weekend in which case, on-stage.
Your favourite hangout:
In the sun, wherever that is.
Your favourite place in the entire world:
Nepal.
Future plans?
To keep building on what I’ve already been doing.
