Gugulethu Khumalo, professionally known as Berita, is a Zimbabwean-born, South African-based singer, songwriter, guitarist, and music producer. Born on June 27, 1991, in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, she is celebrated for her Afro-soul and Afro-pop music that blends elements of jazz, contemporary pop, and South African dance.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Gugulethu Khumalo (Berita) |
| Date of Birth | June 27, 1991 |
| Place of Birth | Bulawayo, Zimbabwe |
| Nationality | Zimbabwean/South African |
| Partner | Nota Baloyi (separated) |
| Occupations | Singer, Songwriter, Guitarist, Producer |
| Net Worth | Estimated $1 million |
| Awards | Metro FM Music Awards, SAMAs, Wawela Music Awards |
Early Life and Education
Berita was born in Bulawayo as the firstborn in a family of five. She spent her early childhood in Bulawayo and Zhombe, where her parents worked as teachers at Rio Tinto.
She attended St. Martin de Porres in Zhombe, Nketa Primary School, and Greenfield Primary School in Bulawayo. In 2007, due to Zimbabwe’s economic challenges, her family moved to New Zealand in search of better opportunities.
Berita later relocated to South Africa to pursue higher education at Walter Sisulu University in the Eastern Cape, where she studied Financial Information Systems. It was during her university years that she began performing and recording music.
Career
Berita’s musical journey began in 2012 with the release of her debut album Conquering Spirit, which featured the hit single “Thandolwethu.” The album achieved commercial success, peaking at #1 on iTunes and earning Gold certification from RISA. It also won the Best African Pop Album award at the 2013 Metro FM Awards.
In 2014, she collaborated with legends Hugh Masekela and Oliver Mtukudzi on “Mwana Wa Mai,” later remixed by Black Motion. Her Coke Studio collaboration with Yanga Chief produced the single “Vusu Yeke” in 2016.
Over the years, Berita has released several chart-topping singles like “Ezizweni,” “Ndicel’ikiss,” and “Jikizinto,” which peaked at #1 on Radio Monitor charts.
Her fourth studio album Songs in the Key of Love (2020) received critical acclaim and won the Rest of Africa Award at the 27th South African Music Awards. The album’s lead single “Jikizinto” made Berita the first solo female independent artist to achieve a #1 record in the new decade.
Berita has collaborated with prominent artists such as Amanda Black, Da Capo, Mobi Dixon, and Ndlovu Youth Choir.
She has also performed at major festivals across Africa, including Cape Town Jazz Festival (South Africa), Lake of Stars Festival (Malawi), Bayimba International Festival (Uganda), and Jacaranda Music Festival (Zimbabwe).
Berita is also the founder of the independent record label Assali Music and the Women of Music Business (WOMB), a pan-African women empowerment organization.
In addition to music, Berita is a fashion enthusiast who has collaborated with South African designers like Athenkosi Mgundlwa and Rich Factory. She also serves on the board of the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA).
Personal Life
Berita was married to South African music executive Nota Baloyi after a traditional lobola ceremony in July 2020. However, they separated due to a long irreconcilable marital challenges. Berita does not have any children.
Berita Net Worth
As of 2025, Berita’s net worth is estimated to be around $1 million. Her income comes from music sales, streaming royalties, live performances, brand collaborations, and her independent record label Assali Music.
Discography
Studio Albums
- Conquering Spirit (2012)
- Songs of Empowerment (2014)
- Berita (2017)
- Songs in the Key of Love (2020)
Notable Singles
- “Thandolwethu” (2012)
- “Mwana Wa Mai” (2014)
- “Vusu Yeke” featuring Yanga Chief (2016)
- “Ndicel’ikiss” (2019)
- “Jikizinto” (2020)
- “Ungandibulali” featuring Ndlovu Youth Choir (2020)
- “Siyathandana” featuring Amanda Black (2020)
- “Peace of Mind” featuring Abidoza & Alie Keys (2023)
Awards and Nominations
| Year | Award Ceremony | Category | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Metro FM Music Awards | Best African Pop Album | Won |
| 2015 | South African Afro Music Awards | Rising Star of the Year | Won |
| 2015 | Wawela Music Awards | Songwriter of the Year | Won |
| 2016 | Zimbabwe Achievers Awards | Music Artist of the Year | Nominated |
| 2017 | Eastern Cape Music Awards | Best Female | Won |
| 2019 | Zimbabwe Achievers Awards | Music Artist of the Year | Nominated |
| 2021 | Zimbabwe Music Awards | Best R&B & Soul | Nominated |
| 2021 | South African Music Awards | Rest of Africa Artist | Won |
