V&A Summer Concerts - Natasha Meister 

After leaving Canada just over two years ago, Natasha Meister decided to take up music professionally in South Africa. With powerful, whiskey-soaked vocals and incredible guitar playing, the 21-year-old blues songstress has wowed audiences country-wide.

In the space of just one year she has scooped an endorsement with Lakewood Guitars (Germany), as well as being the first woman in Africa to be endorsed by Fender (USA). In February 2011, she took to Dubai for a stint with the Crossroads touring band - featuring internationally acclaimed blues artists Jimmy Thomas and Michael Roach. She has since graced some of the biggest stages and festivals in the country, backed by legendary South Africa drummer, Paul Tizzard, and bass player, Roger Bashew - formerly known as The Lonesharks.

The band’s performances, inspired by the likes of Stevie Wonder, B.B. King, Aretha Franklin and Stevie Ray Vaughan, paved the way for the recording of their first album, ‘Half Way’. Produced by Roger Bashew and consisting entirely of Natasha’s own compositions, in the few weeks since its release it has caught the attention of both local and international listeners, who eagerly await the launch and subsequent national tour in April 2012.