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When Gugulethu “Berita” Khumalo released the single Namhlanje in March, the plan had been to drop an EP this month in August. But life had other plans, and the musician soon discovered the true meaning of: “There’s a time and place for everything, so trust the process.”
Prioritising education
Asked about the release date of her EP, the artist laughs at herself for not realising sooner that there simply isn’t enough time to fully commit to making music while she’s also studying. Berita is currently pursuing her MBA at the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS). “The way I was so confident when I promised you an EP in August! I’ve since realised that school is just too demanding,” she chuckles.
The experience has taught the Thandolwethu hitmaker to give herself grace. Ahead of last month’s Jazz for Young People event at the National School of the Arts, Msaki gave this exact advice to the teenagers, alerting them to how writer's block is sometimes caused by writing during a time when one is supposed to be silently reflecting and observing.
“Msaki is very wise; I share the same sentiment. I think I’m currently in my season of growth. I have started writing and doing the work, but you can’t help wanting to see the fruits of that growth… and the music is the fruit,” she says.
Growth as a woman and an artist
Having recently turned 35, Berita says she feels so much more grounded that she’s not even ashamed of her age. It’s become more important to understand her body, rhythm and energy. She sees getting older as a blessing, and to enjoy it, Berita says she has stopped putting too much pressure on herself.
“I'm learning to pay attention to my emotions and to validate myself. I started in this industry when I was 21 and at the time I couldn’t really discern between my work and my feelings,” she reflects.
In her maturity, Berita now understands that her career is the encapsulation of the artist, human and product; which enables her to look inward for validation.
Will the EP be worth the wait?
Since the dawn of her career, Berita’s lyrical content has leaned heavily toward romantic love. But this time she’s extending this to explore the shape self-love takes for her; and how this filters through to the platonic relationships that anchor her. This includes honouring her grandmother for her unwavering support.
“Sometimes when I’m on stage, I find myself wishing I had a song about gratitude. Instead of thanking people in my speeches, I feel like there’s so much more I can tap into through song.”
Listen before you go: Namhlanje on Spotify
Knowing how intentional Berita has always been about education, one wonders if this wisdom is a byproduct thereof. She explains that her curiosity about business education stems from observing lots of artists becoming casualties of the unregulated industry they operate in.
While she’s a successful artist, Berita believes she’d be so much further in her career had she been armed with the tools and structures of the music business at the beginning of her artistic journey. Hugh Masekela, Msaki, Zoë Modiga and other artists that navigate the world with curiosity have also inspired Berita to broaden her own mind.
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