The Sunday News
Bruce Ndlovu
AFTER a tour that took her around most of East Africa earlier in the year, South Africa-based Zimbabwean songbird Berita Khumalo is now planning to conquer the southern tip of the continent as she plans a tour that will take her around countries in the region.
Berita has been in a drive to expand her fan base since parting ways with VTH Season, the South African label that gave her and the likes of AKA and Tresor their big break in the South African music industry.
Earlier this year, she toured part of East Africa, putting up stellar performances in countries that included Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya.
“As an artiste it’s easy to get comfortable, and I took a decision this year that instead of talking about it, it’s time to venture out to the world, the goal being to go to different parts of Africa first, before heading to Europe and the rest of the world,” she said after one performance in Rwanda.
After the success of that self-funded tour, the songbird is now looking to perform around her home region.
“I’m planning a tour of Southern Africa and I would love to include countries such as Mozambique, Tanzania and Malawi, among others,” she told a South African publication last week.
After being extensively mentored by the late Hugh Masekela, she said the jazz maestro had left her with a greater understanding of African pride.
“Having spent time with Hugh Masekela, he said we should be proud of our African heritage. I believe that we as musicians have a responsibility to unite our people,” Berita said.
