Born in Georgetown, Guyana, Mortimer Softley moved to Jamaica in 1995 to pursue his musical
dreams. With music in his veins, a message in his heart and a fierce determination, he needed to immerse himself in the reggae culture, as he stated “Coming to Jamaica was natural”.
Reggae music appealed to his senses, it gave him a voice to speak out his impassioned pleas for wrongs to be made right and justice applied in the case of the poor and oppressed that remain relevant worldwide. He says, “Like life, Reggae music inspires, and gives the artiste an opportunity to express one’s self fully, regardless of the issues highlighted”.
In Jamaica the musicians he hung around would rename him Natural Black. Paying his dues voicing for such legendary producers as Gordon Lee, Jack Scorpio, Freddie McGregor and Beres Hammond, his distinctively smooth and mellow voice left an impression in the forefront of the newroots and culture movement. With a slew of modest hits, Natural Black steadily gained fans and recognition, and in 2006 became an international success with the chart topping “Far From Reality” single produced by for Multi- Platinum, Billboard chart topping producer Don Corleon.
Marred at times with controversy and often outspoken, Natural Black resilience has created a
dedicated global fan base by taking his audience to musical subliminal levels, where only in the depth of one’s consciousness can one’s mind create and conceive a true spiritual balance.
Natural has performed locally at some of Jamaica’s biggest festivals such as Sting, Reggae-Sumfest, Rebel Salute, East Fest and countless shows throughout the Caribbean. He has toured extensively and performed to sold out audiences in Switzerland, Austria, France, Italy and Slovenia amongst
others.
Working amongst some of Jamaica’s various top producers Natural Black has garnered an extensive music library and with 10 studio albums to his credit, Natural is hard at work on yet another musical gift.
