Singer and songwriter, Berry, released a new Afrikaans Single 10 000 Redes showcasing a different side of her versatile music talent.
Idols SA season 17 winner Berenike Trytsman, known as Berry, comes from a family of professional opera singers.
Her musical journey began early, her first memories involving harmonising with her parents on stage. At 14, she won her first competition, inspired by pop icons such as Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Kelly Clarkson, and Celine Dion. Her dedication and talent led her to win Idols SA in 2021, securing a record deal with Kalawa Jazmee.
But the mom of four announced her breakaway from the label in February 2023 when she decided to go solo with her husband Renier, who is her manager and also her drummer.
Trytsman told Weekend Argus the song came naturally.
“I went into the studio like usual, my husband had written music and then I sat down and for some reason while listening to it, I just had these Afrikaans lyrics in my head.
“But because he is very English, I told him ‘you're gonna hate me, but I can actually hear Afrikaans lyrics', and he said, let's roll with it. So I sat and within 10 minutes we had lyrics and recorded the first draft of the song.
“Releasing an Afrikaans song was never off the table, who would have thought that I would have done a Zulu song?”
The mom of four continues: “It's a love song for lonely hearts searching for that perfect someone who gives you 10 000 reasons to love them. The song tells of feeling broken until you meet someone who heals you with their love, giving you endless reasons to adore them. It's deeply connected to my own journey and how I felt when I met my husband.”
Reflecting on her journey, Berry shares, “Music has been an inseparable companion since the earliest moments of my life. My initial memories involve harmonising with my parents on the stage of an opera concert.
“Idols was a big factor in my success; I went from being someone that no one really knew to somebody that quite a few people know and recognise. But as much as Idols helped, I think my biggest achievement is breaking away from Idols and becoming an independent artist and trying to go in the direction that I feel is right.
“I've spent a lot of time with my family because I felt that was needed, and just building my empire.
“I have released a few independent singles, which was a big undertaking because my husband and I do everything alone without a label, without funding, it's hard work trying to build something when you doing it alone, but we are blessed.”
The Bothasig singer's debut single, Ungowami, showcased her linguistic versatility, followed by her EP Unspoken Words.
In February 2023, she collaborated with DJ Cosher on House of the Rising Sun. Her singles Never Say Die and Bumper Sticker further established her as a versatile artist.
She says, “With Never Say Die and Bumper Sticker, I wanted to reaffirm my presence on the airwaves and establish myself as an artist."
Now, with 10 000 Redes, which is available on all digital platforms, Trytsman embraces her Afrikaans heritage and connects with a broader audience.
“I pour my own experiences and feelings into every song, which helps me connect with my audience. This time, with an Afrikaans song, I hope to reach a whole new group of listeners. I kept the lyrics simple so everyone can understand and enjoy it, even if their Afrikaans is a bit rusty”.