Berita has grown in her craft and cannot wait for her Eastern Cape supporters to experience her latest work when she performs at the annual Buyel’Ekhaya Pan African Music Festival next month.
Other artists billed for this year’s event include the iconic Oliver Mtukudzi, Ringo Madlingozi, Zahara, Black Coffee, Amanda Black, Vusi Nova, Ntando, Lady Zamar, Distruction Boyz, DJ Tira and VJ Nutty.
Speaking with the Daily Dispatch yesterday, the award-winning singer said she has grown since her debut in the music industry five years ago.
“When I started out I was young and naive and even my song writing was not what it is now. I have grown as a person and as an artist,” she said.
She said her new self-titled album was about her life from the past two years.
“I am sharing my experiences: from losing love, soul searching, finding myself as the woman I am today to finding love again,” she said.
The Walter Sisulu University graduate said the latest album, which is her third, was her best work yet. She worked with the legendary producer, Mojalefa Mjakes Thebe.
“Mjakes allowed me to be creative and I was more involved in the making of this album. The sound has also grown immensely, from the composition, producing, mixing and mastering. This is my best work so far.”
In 2012, Berita was one of the East London-based artists who opened up for national acts at the Buyel’Ekhaya Pan African Music Festival. She has also performed alongside Mtukudzi.
“I cannot wait to come back again. People can expect a spectacular show,” she said.
Festival founder Nomahlubi Mazwai believes that it is pivotal to the sustainability of festivals to continue to contribute meaningfully to the communities to which they belong.
“Buyel’Ekhaya is a clarion call for all who belong to the Eastern Cape to return and plough back meaningfully to the development of the province’s youth,” she said.
The festival will take place place on December 17 at the Buffalo Park Cricket Stadium. — poliswap@dispatch.co.za