''Songs in the Key of Love'' is the fourth

studio album An album is a collection of audio recordings issued on compact disc (CD), Phonograph record, vinyl, audio tape, or another medium such as Digital distribution#Music, digital distribution. Albums of recorded sound were developed in the early ...

by Zimbabwean-born singer

Berita Gugulethu Khumalo (born 27 June 1991), best known by her stage name Berita, is a Zimbabwean-born singer, songwriter and music producer. Her music is a combination of soul music containing elements from Afro Jazz, contemporary pop influences as we ...

. It was released on 28 February 2020 through Assali Music It features guest appearances from fellow South African artists including

Amanda Black Amanda Benedicta Antony (born 24 July 1993), known professionally as Amanda Black, is a South African singer and songwriter. Born and raised in Gcuwa her career began in 1999 at the age of 6 singing in church choirs. Amanda was a contestant ...

, Bekezela, Bongani Sax and

Mi Casa Mi Casa is a house trio based in Johannesburg, South Africa and consisting of three members, Dr. Duda (producer and pianist), J'Something (vocalist and guitarist), and Mo-T (trumpeter). The band was formed in early 2011 in Johannesburg when a ...

trumpeter Mo T. The 13-track album was nominated at the 2021 Zimbabwe Music Awards Best Rnb/Soul album as well as Best Album Of The Year and at the 27th edition of the

South African Music Awards The South African Music Awards (often simply the SAMAs) are the Recording Industry of South Africa's music industry awards, established in 1995. The ceremony is held annually, usually in late April or May, with the judging process starting in N ...

Background

The album's title was inspired by American singer

Stevie Wonder Stevland Hardaway Morris ( Judkins; May 13, 1950), known professionally as Stevie Wonder, is an American singer-songwriter, who is credited as a pioneer and influence by musicians across a range of genres that include rhythm and blues, Pop musi ...

's 1976 offering, Songs in the Key of Life. The album consist of songs about love, hope, endearment, and romance. Berita explaining the album:

I believe in love and in this day and age, the divorce rate has gotten so high that people don't believe in love anymore. I want people to be inspired to believe and seek true love within themselves and their loved ones through this album.

Singles

The song "Ndicel'ikiss" was released on January 25, 2019 and written in December 2018. The single peaked at #21 on the radio monitor RAMS charts, under her independent label Assali Music. The song's title translates to "May I have a kiss?." The music video was released on 4 April 2019 and was shot in her hometown,

Bulawayo Bulawayo (, ; Ndebele: ''Bulawayo'') is the second largest city in Zimbabwe, and the largest city in the country's Matabeleland region. The city's population is disputed; the 2022 census listed it at 665,940, while the Bulawayo City Council cl ...

, after her homecoming show there. On 13 February 2020, Berita released the album's second single, "Jikizinto", which when loosely translated means "things will turn around eventually". The single topped the charts and peaked #11 on the South Africa RAMS (Radio Audience Measurement) chart with 22-million impressions between February 14 and 20. The music video for the song was later released on 6 August 2020 and was shot on the green screen under strict adherence to the level 3 lockdown regulations. Commenting on the video, Berita said:

This song holds a special place in my heart. We shot this during the lockdown and had so much fun with it. I really hope it can brighten up your day, even if just for a little bit.

The thirteenth song, "Siyathandana" featured South African singer

. The music video was released on 25 September 2020 and themed around celebrating love in romantic, family and friendship settings. It featured appearances from South African personalities

Somizi Mhlongo Somizi Buyani Mhlongo (born 23 December 1972) is a South African media personality, television presenter, actor and choreographer. In 1992, he appeared on the musical and political film, '' Sarafina!'' which gained him prominence. Mhlongo becam ...

, Mohale, Dineo, Ntando Duma and legendary Maskandi artist Ihashi Elimhlophe. The music video for the opening song "Ndikhawulele" which means "Meet Me Halfway" was released on 12 February 2021.

Track listing

Release history

Accolades

References

{{Authority control 2020 albums Pop albums by Zimbabwean artists Xhosa-language albums