Zim singer Berita to perform in Rwanda

Now in its fourth year, Live and Unplugged is organised by local event organiser Afrogroov and features acoustic performances by artists from across Africa.

Berita told Music In Africa that her performance in Kigali would mark the end of her East African tour, which took her to Kampala in Uganda and Nairobi in Kenya earlier this month.

"My dream is for my music to spread across the continent,” she said. “I first came to East Africa in October last year. I was here for the Bayimba International Festival and received lots of love and excitement for my music. This time I'm here to introduce my music to other parts of East Africa."

Berita said her current tour was inspired by one of South Africa's biggest names in music.

“I seek inspiration from Miriam Makeba. My journey to East Africa is inspired by her story. She travelled around the world, especially the African continent, gracing many stages and singing in many African languages.”

Berita, who has previously collaborated with African greats such as Zimbabwe’s Oliver Mtukudzi and the late South African trumpeter Hugh Masekela, said the tour had given her the opportunity to discover East African artists and their music, which was not too popular in southern Africa.

“I look forward to collaborations with visual and performing artists as well as playing more live shows in East Africa. Unfortunately, there is still a barrier in terms of sharing music across the continent. I find ordinary southern Africans only know one or two songs from East Africa.”

But the singer believes that the most effective way to reach audiences in the two regions is through collaborations.

“I think it’s the best way for artists to share presence in their regions and I definitely want to be a part of that movement,” she said.