'Brand Berita' on way north

EASTERN Cape songstress Berita will be spreading her wings internationally this year, touring a number of African countries.

After being crowned "queen" of African Pop for her debut album Conquering Spirit at last year's Metro FM Music Awards, Berita said interest in her music had grown in Africa and beyond.

The Zimbabwean-born singer, who now calls East London home, expressed excitement about the first tour which kicks off in Malawi on Tuesday.

"I am heading out to Johannesburg at the end of the week and will spend the weekend there.

"The tour is basically about putting the brand Berita out there and marketing my music.

"I will be enjoying interacting with different crowds during my performances and learning and teaching something new everywhere I go.

"I just want to go around and find inspiration, work with other established musicians, and leave a mark," she said.

She will be travelling from Malawi to Mozambique, Namibia, Harare and Senegal between now and May.

She is then expected to jet off to Washington, New York and Canada later this year.

The African tour comes at the right time for the 22-year-old as she has just finished her studies towards a diploma in financial information systems at Walter Sisulu University. She will graduate in May.

The tour has been supported financially by the Eastern Cape Provincial Arts and Culture Council.