The Sunday News
Mbongeni Msimanga Sunday Leisure Correspondent
ZIMBABWE-BORN South Africa-based female jazz sensation — Berita Khumalo is elated and feels very much honoured to have been accorded an opportunity to work with two of Africa’s legendary musical superstars, Zimbabwe’s very own Oliver Mtukudzi and South Africa’s Hugh ‘‘Bra Hugh’’ Masekela. Berita said this was a dream come true for her and that the opportunity would be the envy of many other musicians.
The collaboration will definitely raise her higher than the clouds, with her energetic performances on stage, turning the eyes of many musicians green with envy, as they are finding it a daunting experience to match her standards in the ever-changing music industry.
“Growing up I listened to Baba Oliver Mtukudzi’s music everywhere on the streets and on the radio. Bra Hugh Masekela is one of my father’s favourite jazz musicians. I used to listen to his CDs at home. Over the years they have taken African music to the world, I have so much respect for them and it has always been a dream to work with both of them,” said Berita.
A jazz icon to reckon with, Berita has dedicated her life to jazz music and is fast becoming one of Africa’s distinguished musicians.
Her latest single with Masekela and Mtukudzi, titled Mwana Wamai has proven that she is a cut above the rest and seeks to take her music to astronomical levels.
“I am inspired by my uncles Oliver Mtukudzi and Bra Hugh Masekela. The time I have spent with them has taught me to be true to myself and my journey in music. Through them I see that it is possible to have a music career that spans decades and decades,” said Berita.
Collaborating and working with the two icons will likely give her a longer lifespan in the showbiz industry, and unlike many other youths who are wooed into the negative vagaries of the showbiz industry, Berita said this was her opportunity to prove that she was the best.
Berita won an award for the Best Songwriter of the year at the 2015 South African Wawelas awards early this year.
“I have been blessed to have a steadily thriving career. Every year I grow from strength to strength, this year has seen me win an award for best songwriter of the year at the 2015 Wawelas. I also recently came back from a performance in the Netherlands for Mandela Day Celebrations and to now releasing Mwana WaMai an amazing single featuring two of Africa’s greatest musicians,” she said.
Berita’s ability to keep in touch with her roots has kept her going in the music industry and the songstress said she hoped to collaborate with Zimbabwe’s musicians Ammara Brown, Tariro NeGitare, Cynthia Mare and legendary poet Albert Nyathi.
“I would love to work with three talented female artistes namely Ammara Brown, Cynthia Mare and Tariro NeGitare. I also wish to collaborate with legendary poet/writer Albert Nyathi one day soon,” Berita said.
