Berita Breaks Silence on Painful Split from Nota Baloyi: “I Chose Me, and It’s Working Out”

Afro-Soul star Berita has finally opened up about her emotional and highly publicised split from music executive Nhlamulo “Nota” Baloyi. In a heartfelt interview on The Voice with Palesa, the award-winning singer, whose real name is Gugulethu Khumalo, shared what really happened behind the scenes of their once picture-perfect relationship.

Berita, now 34, married Nota in 2020 during the national COVID-19 lockdown. At the time, they seemed like the perfect couple, supporting each other in love and in work. Nota was even involved in helping her with the production of her popular album Songs in the Key of Love.

“We built a private relationship, a good one. By 2020, we were already heading into lockdown. He helped with my album, and we were supporting each other. But something changed during that time,” she explained.

According to Berita, things started going downhill when Nota began putting himself in the public eye more often, sharing controversial opinions and becoming known for his bold comments on social media.

“He decided he wanted to be a critic, to use his voice differently. At the time, as a supportive wife, I didn’t have a problem with it. I thought, ‘If this is who you are, go ahead and speak up.’ But then people started saying, ‘This guy talks too much,’ and it began to affect me,” Berita said.

She admitted that social media caused major problems in their marriage. While Nota thrived in the spotlight, Berita preferred to keep a low profile — and this difference slowly pulled them apart.

“You marry someone thinking you know them, then they develop a new personality, one they bring out in front of the camera. It’s fine until that personality starts harming you,” she added.

Berita tried to have serious conversations with Nota about how their different public images were clashing. However, she says her concerns were brushed off.

“When I asked how we could manage it, he told me it’s not his fault. I’m quiet and don’t speak up. He said if his words online affect me, that’s not his problem.”

Their marriage officially ended in 2022, just two years after their wedding. Since then, Berita has focused on healing, rediscovering her voice, and finding peace in her life and career.

“I’m sharing this because I know many people are in relationships where their partners change, especially under the spotlight of social media,” she said.

Now, she’s doing what she loves most — music. And she’s doing it on her own terms. “I’m so excited to be back doing what I love. I feel free. I feel happy. I chose me and it’s working out.”

Berita is currently preparing for a few big shows. She’ll be performing at Jazz on the Lake in Gqeberha on 16 August, and later at Joy of Jazz at the Sandton Convention Centre on 28 September.