Online Reporter
Bruce Ndlovu, Online Reporter
WHILE her love ballads have always caught attention, songbird Berita Khumalo’s latest single, Gugulethu, is a nod to her childhood, particularly her grandmother, whose influence on her early years in Zimbabwe she still fondly remembers.
The self-titled single was written during the tumultuous twilight days of the singer’s marriage to controversial music executive Nota Baloyi in 2022.
In an interview with GQ Africa, Berita said the single was a timely homage to her grandmother. The single’s artwork features a young Berita and her grandmother.
“This image is deeply special to me. It takes me back to my humble, loving, and nurturing childhood.
I’m the firstborn of five, and the first grandchild. I spent those early years with my grandmother, who instilled grace, strength, and prayer in me. I chose this image to honour her while she’s still alive to see my dreams come true,” she said.
The singer said although she is now based in South Africa, periodic visits to Zimbabwe were a reminder that home is still where her heart is.
“Yes, each time I visit home, the way her face lights up reminds me I am her pride and joy, no matter what I may be going through. That unconditional love gave me the emotional clarity to write this song,” she said.
