Obsession reignited: Jerusha's comeback sparks a new passion

The Citizen

27-05-2025

AFTER years away from the spotlight, South African singer-songwriter Jerusha Naidoo has made a striking return to the music scene with her latest single, Obsession. Known for breaking barriers in the early 2000s as the first Indian woman to top mainstream radio charts in South Africa, Jerusha's comeback marks not just a return, but a bold new chapter in her musical journey.
Blending amapiano, afrobeat, and R&B, Obsession is an entrancing track that explores the addictive pull of being under a love spell. Produced by frequent collaborator Vally Eaton and tracked in Singapore, the single pounds with rich African percussion beneath smooth, sensual vocals. It's fresh, aggressive, and full of passion, everything Jerusha's listeners didn't know they were missing.
It's the first single in a three-song EP called the Love Trilogy, an adventure that tracks the trajectory of love—its passion (Obsession), its blindness (Love is Blind), and its devotion (Ti Amo). The three tracks will pave the way for her highly anticipated third album, that Jerusha feels will be her most personal and genre-defying to date.
Jerusha's return is not an echo of past glories, but the debut of a more refined, more courageous performer. She initially made an impact on the South African pop scene in 2002, breaking records and topping charts with her first single release, Are U the One? peaking at no. 1 on East Coast Radio chart for six weeks straight
Her first album, Got to Have It, produced many hits like Dance, U Be and For Life featuring Verd, and her second album, JerushaLem, became a South African Music Award nominated album.
Life, however, had other things in store, and she quietly stepped back from the mic to focus on herself and loved ones. 'Taking a break helped me come into this project with rested ears, renewed drive and a fresh perspective. I've had children since I last released music so I'm more mature.' she said.
Born in Chatsworth, Jerusha was raised in a home filled with sounds of guitars being strummed and sweet melodies. Her late father was an all-rounder musician and one in a long line of family musicians.
Jerusha said that growing up she drew a lot of inspiration from artists like Britney Spears, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey and Toni Braxton, who really helped shaped her sound when she debuted. Years later, Jerusha said that the new generation of rising African artists who have made an impact on the global pop scene like Burna Boy, Tyla and Ayra Starr, have shown her new ways of incorporating her South African roots into her music.
'I'm also seeing my music through a completely different lens,' she said.
Breaking boundaries and building on her legacy is the goal for Jerusha with this new comeback.
Reflecting on the new era, Jerusha said, 'I have grown so much in the time I've been away. I've lived, I've loved and now I'm pouring all of that into my music. This new era feels like a rebirth. I hope to leave behind a legacy of love for music and help people create beautiful memories when they hear my songs.'
Follow Jerusha's new era:
https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/jerusha/obsession
https://www.instagram.com/jerushamusic/
YouTube – https://rb.gy/g1a1yh
https://www.facebook.com/JerushaMusic/
https://www.tiktok.com/@jerushamusic
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