IT’S a triple-threat celebration for singer-songwriter Berenike Trytsman, better known as Berry, as she celebrates Heritage Month, her new single, and the city of Cape Town on September 9 with a concert at The Wave Theatre Cafe, 44 Long Street.
“Cape Town is my home,” she says. “My heart belongs to Cape Town and performing here gives me a sense of pride that is hard to match. Seeing the faces of my fellow Capetonians brings me absolute joy.
“I am looking forward to finally having a show that will express me for who I am and deliver fantastic music with my band,” says Berry, who began music lessons at the age of 11 and gained fame in 2021 when she won Idols South Africa and subsequently signed to the record label Kalawa Jazmee.
Berry says music has been an integral part of her life from before she could even walk, born into a musical family with both her parents being former professional opera singers. She won her first music competition when she was 14 years old.
She describes her latest song, Never Say Die, as a true expression of “me just being who I am and singing because it’s what I love to do”. This track is based on her experience while she on Idols, away from her family for four months. “It was one of the hardest times in my life. It’s an anthem to never give up no matter how hard this time in your life is,” she says.
The song was produced by Music Blimp Productions, the music studio owned by her husband Renier Trytsman
“He knows me better than I know myself, and he wrote the song. He’s also my drummer,” says Berry. “My input came along when I had to help select the lyrics I wanted in the song and with his beautiful music I was able to add the vocal direction I wanted.”
The singer says she is working to bring out more music before the end of 2023, hinting at both an album and a tour. “This show will be a journey of music from my past, present and future. It will showcase the genre and style that I enjoy singing and it will be the first time I can show my heart to my incredible followers. I cannot wait to be entertaining and putting on an amazing show,” she says.
EVENT DETAILS
- Where: The Wave Theatre Cafe, 44 Long Street, Cape Town
- Ticket prices: R180
- When: Saturday 9 September 2023
- Time: 8pm
- To book: Contact Lloyd: 078 949 0773 / [email protected]
ABOUT BERRY
- Over years of hard work, Berry learned versatility and entered and won many singing competitions. At the age of 20, Berry auditioned for the first time on Idols South Africa, season six. She got through to the top 30, where her journey ended. Berry went on to be a vocal coach in the following years, at which time she met Renier, her husband – and biggest supporter – who co-writes original songs with her.
- After spending almost five years trying to break into the mainstream music market, Berry realised 2021 was the last year to enter Idols South Africa, due to the cutoff age being 30. Berry sent in her audition tape and the rest is history. After winning Idols, Berry was signed to the record label Kalawa Jazmee.
- Berry then released her debut single, Ungowami, a mid-tempo ballad which showcases her versatility in vernac. She also then released her EP, Unspoken Words, which includes six tracks. Three of these tracks were written and produced by Renier.
- Berry has since performed at various festivals and events, such as K-Day, An Ode to Women, It’s a Love Thing, Music Exchange, Unity on the Square, Wonder Woman, and Moonstruck. She has also had various interviews on television shows such as Tussen Ons, Koortjies, Expresso, Hectic Nine-9, and Roer. She has been featured in print and on radio – Kfm, Smile FM, Cape Talk, Goodhope FM, Sunday Times, Daily Voice and many more.
- She released a collaboration with DJ Cosher in February 2023 for his song called House of the Rising Sun, a follow-up on his Sound of Silence success. This release was accompanied by a music video. You can expect great things from Berry in the future as she continues to engage her fan base and pursue her passion for music and performing live.
