Bruce Ndlovu , Sunday Life Reporter
LAST week, Berita Khumalo joined the elite band of songbirds that have managed to win a gong at the prestigious South African Music Awards (SAMAs), when she scooped the Rest of Africa accolade.
Berita
The award was deserved reward for an artiste who decided to break free from the shackles of life under a major record label and pursue her own creative direction when she released the album, Song in the Key of Love last year under her record label, Assali Music.
As she toasts to her victory at the SAMAs, the songbird has used this week to reflect on her continuing journey in the music industry, a journey that seems to bring me reward and recognition with every release.
A surprise visit from fellow guitar cradling superstar, Zahara last week, had the two stars bonding on a man whose life and music had an indelible influence on their own – the late great Oliver Mtukudzi.
“Today my big sis @zaharasa welcomed me to the SAMA winners club with an impromptu celebration (check my IG stories). But most importantly she reminded me of our special bond which we share with the late Baba Oliver Mtukudzi,” she wrote on social media.
Late Oliver Mtukudzi
Berita has in the past spoken about candidly about the influence the late Tuku had on her career, describing him as a father, mentor, friend and a great man to the world. “He was aware of himself, his purpose and his life,” she said in an interview following his death.
The South African based songbird featured Tuku and fellow late legend Hugh Masekela in her music while Zahara also toured extensively with the late music superstar.