Charmaine Bingwa

Who is she? Originally from Perth, this 23-year-old soul singer and acoustic guitarist, whose parents hail from Zimbabwe, has called Sydney her home for the past five years. "I picked up the guitar at age 12 and have been songwriting ever since. I literally fell in love with the song writing process," she says.

What's her sound? Bingwa is head to toe souled-out. From neo soul to acoustic soul, the songstress weaves in a delicate blend of R'n'B into the mix. "It all stems from soul, although I like placing elements of pop, funk and R‘n'B in there."

Where has she been gigging? Bingwa is a regular at the Flinders Hotel's live sets on Wednesday nights. The weekly session sees a cavalcade of unearthed talent showcase their goods in front of a live audience. Her sultry sound sees her headlining nights at Oxford Street's Slide Lounge where Bingwa opened for Sydney Photographer Mazz Image's retrospective show during the Mardi Gras festival.

Where is she heading? "This year is the time to get the gears rolling. I'd like to do more local gigs like I have been doing at the Opera Bar and the Gaelic club. Essentially I would like to see myself in the studio laying some new tracks down, and get some radio play out there," she says.

What are the biggest challenges facing young artists gigging it live? "Just trying to get yourself out there, you need to examine almost every avenue out there. There are some great online resources and forums where artists can exchange ideas and even promote their work abroad. You just need to be consistent and persistent."

Does her cultural heritage give her a little edge considering her soul genre? "I think yes and no. People immediately look at me and see a certain flavour but I think the downside can be that there isn't a huge R‘n'B and should space in Sydney and that can be restricting in many ways."

What's the verdict? Bingwa offers something fresh to the live music set, as the soulful marriage of her vocal talents and guitar playing puts her in the 'she's a natural' category. Her striking looks doesn't hurt her act either and her cultural heritage gives her an authentic edge. .

Where can I hear her? Charmaine Bingwa will appear at Bar Me, 154 Brougham Street, Kings Cross, 2011, on Thursday 15 May, 8pm.

Listen to 'Please Please'

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