Berita to perform at John Kani Theatre: a journey through 14 years of music
Berita is set to take audiences on an unforgettable musical journey celebrating 14 years of artistry, featuring special guests Thabsie and Amanda Black, in a heartfelt performance at the John Kani Theatre on Workers' Day.
Image: siia_ghost
Multi-award-winning Afro-soul star Berita is set to grace the iconic John Kani Theatre.
Berita has been preparing for the "Echoes of the Soul " show for a couple of months and is filled with excitement as the days draw nearer, despite there still being lots to do.
The soulful singer describes the show as a homecoming, having been in the music industry for 14 years, having released four albums, and performed everywhere in South Africa. She wants to take her supporters behind the music.
“I'm taking my fans, my supporters, into a space where I can really take them through the music and take them through this 14-year journey. What it's been like, the stories that I've never told behind the music.
“I think what makes John Kani's theatre perfect is that it's such an esteemed stage, a stage which has powered the truth of so many artists from the beginning, legendary artists.
“For me to finally grace that stage, it's a stage that, as an artist, when you start up, you're thinking one day, I would love to play at the Market Theatre. It's a bucket list kind of venue and stage to perform at. I think this time is the best time it could have happened.”
When asked what would be different about this show compared to her previous performance, Berita was quick to remind that “no show is the same”.
“For me, it's always about authenticity. I am a musician first and a lover of music. The performance really comes from my heart and soul.”
Berita has confirmed that Thabsie and Amanda Black will be joining her on stage as guest artists and a nine-piece ensemble, creating a live music experience that will be mesmerising
“With this show, I'm going big. In this day and age, in this era of AI, to bring together artists.
For me, it's really a showcase of my love for music and wanting people to experience live music.
“I'm excited for people to hear how we've arranged the music. It's definitely fuller, it's bigger, it's a celebration. I'm in a season of gratitude and celebration as well, just as a human, as a person.”
Being in the music industry for over a decade comes with its fair share of ups and downs. Berita explains that she feels so mature, like a well-aged wine. “I'm not really fazed by a lot of things.
“I think the industry has changed a lot. I mean, when I first started, it was just about the music. I remember when I won Best African Pop Album at the Metro FM Music Awards in 2018. I stood up and people were like, ‘Who's this?’ Because people knew just the song.
“People knew the music, not the person. For me, that's always been important. I don't see myself as a celebrity; I'm a musician. I love music, and I make music. I'm not fazed by the fame aspect or the likes and followers; for me, it's deeper than that.
“I understand I've created something that will stand the test of time. Even my children's children. One day, I don't have children yet. But my children's children will listen to ‘Thandolwethu’, and they'll be like, wow, our ancestors were here. Music is a legacy.”
Berita will be hosting the "Echoes of the Soul” on May 1, which happens to be a public holiday, Workers' Day. Besides the date being perfect, the performance will be a labour of love.
“There are so many people because we are, and I think for me, when I reflected on Worker's Day, that's what came up for me. Just the sacrifice and the labour of love that we all go through on a day-to-day basis.”
"Echoes of the Soul” is presented in partnership with the SAMPRA Development Fund. Bertia teased that the concert will have some new music played.
Date: Friday, 1 May, 2026
Time: Doors open at 6.00pm, Show starts 7.30pm
Venue: The Market Theatre,
Location: 138 Lilian Ngoyi St, Newtown, Johannesburg
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