MULTI-award-winning singer-songwriter Berita is preparing to release her new single Namhlanje, a song she says reflects the woman she has grown to become.
The 34-year-old musician, whose real name is Gugulethu Khumalo, told Daily Sun the upcoming track shows a more mature and reflective side of her artistry.
Set for release on 20 March, Namhlanje is described as a soulful and romantic offering that signals a new chapter in Berita's musical journey.
The single also serves as a lead-up to her upcoming concert, Echoes of the Soul, which will take place at the Market Theatre on 1 May 2026.
Speaking about personal growth, Berita said the music reflects a deliberate journey of self-discovery and healing.
"This new version of Berita is the result of an intentional journey toward self-ownership. For a long time, I think I was moving at a pace set by others, but recently I've committed to deep reflection on the life I actually want to live and the love I deserve," she said.
The Ndicel'ikiss hitmaker added that therapy played a big role in helping her reconnect with herself, both as an artist and as a woman.
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"Therapy has helped me a lot. It's been a space where I've been able to reflect deeply and reconcile the two sides of my life, Berita the artist and the woman behind the music. Namhlanje is the sound of a woman who has stopped negotiating her peace and started building a life that honours her worth," she said.
Berita also spoke about taking a break from releasing music, saying time away from the spotlight has helped her rediscover herself.
"That break was necessary for my soul. It allowed me to step back from the noise of the industry and simply live. I realised my worth isn't tied to trending. It gave me time to pace myself and reflect on my feelings without rushing," she said.
She added that the break changed the way she approaches music and storytelling.
"I'm no longer just singing about love or life from a distance. I'm singing from a place of lived experience and grounded peace."
The singer believes her understanding of love has also evolved over the years, and that maturity is reflected in the new single.
"As I've grown, I've begun to understand myself better. I've learnt that love starts with filling my own cup first. Some of my earlier songs came from a place of fantasy, but now I'm singing from real life and a deeper sense of peace," she said.
Berita hopes listeners will connect deeply with the message behind the song.
"I hope they hear a woman who is authentic and at peace with her own pace and past. A woman who has chosen to move forward in life and in love with full confidence that she deserves the best life and love have to offer.
"And I hope this music resonates with the deepest parts of their souls," she said.
