How lockdown and fame shattered Berita's marriage to Nota Baloyi: a story of heartbreak and healing
The 'Thandolwethu' hitmaker reflected on how their once-thriving marriage began to unravel in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic , sharing that external pressures and personal changes ultimately led to their divorce.
Multi-award-winning singer-songwriter Berita (real name Gugulethu Khumalo) has opened up about her painful split from music executive Nhlamulo 'Nota' Baloyi during a candid conversation on the podcast 'The Voice with Palesa'.
In the deeply personal interview, Berita revealed how the 2020 lockdown dramatically impacted their relationship.
As the world grappled with isolation, Baloyi found a new voice in public discourse, emerging as a controversial commentator whose outspoken views in the music industry soon caused friction in their home.
'We went into lockdown. I don't know what happened during that time, but I think a lot changed… He decided that he wants to be a critic and use his voice in different ways, and I didn't have a problem,' Berita explained.
But as Baloyi embraced his new public persona, Berita struggled with the fallout for her brand.
'When I tried to talk to him about his new ways and how it was affecting my brand, he told me straight that it wasn't his fault that I am too quiet.'
Social media, she noted, played a pivotal - and often painful - role in their troubles. As Baloyi's public profile grew more assertive, Berita found the dynamic increasingly difficult to navigate.
'You marry someone thinking you know them, then they develop a new personality… until that personality starts harming you.'
Their separation, which reportedly took place in 2022, marked the beginning of Berita's journey to reclaim 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.'
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