After over two decades in the game, Berthold recently took to social media to announce his impending retirement.
The talented singer, who kicked off his musical career in 1998, will put out one final album before he calls it quits.
“It is with peace in my heart that I will be releasing my last album in 2020. My career was fruitful and blessed. I thank you Namibia for supporting me. I have always wanted the world to know my name and my music,” he says.
Music has always been his first love but he feels the industry has become too tribalistic, with favouritism and bribes being rife.
“We are living in an era of greedy people. I don’t want to befriend someone or put a few bucks into someone’s hands to make it. I want to make it because of my talent. I have been in the industry for so long, but nothing has changed and I don’t think changes will happen soon. I am tried of all this.”
He insists that he has not rushed in to his decision, which he says he has been thinking about for many years. He especially bemoans the lack of benefits in the industry.
“I can die today and then will have nothing to show for it and this scares me. I have seen this happening so many times before. I am not getting any younger.”
While he may be saying no to music in his homeland, Berthold hopes to try his luck internationally.
“I am planning to kick international doors open. My talent deserves so much better. I feel I have not been appreciated enough despite all I did in my country.”
Over the years, he says, he has neglected himself by putting so much time, blood, sweat and tears into his music career, even neglecting his family at special times like Easter and Christmas.
“I have lost a lot of quality time with my family for shows. Yes, this is how the industry goes, but in the end I don’t feel well compensated. I give my all, but then what I get paid, is peanuts.”
Being the songwriter of hits such as ‘Girl Like Mine’by D-Jay featuring Lil D, ‘Lady for Life’ and ‘Johnny’ by Lady May, Berthold feels his work has gone unnoticed, but says he will still continue to write as he considers songwriting to be a form of storytelling which he considers important.
“I have a great love for songwriting, which started in my school years. I was always writing poems. I have so many stories to tell and don’t want them to pick up dust. It just hurts me to be seated in front of the TV, seeing an artist receiving awards for the songs I wrote, yet they don’t even mention my name.”
He lamented the use of the same pool of artists for major events, even alleging that events organisers are only focused on a certain tribe and genre.
“In this industry the rich are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer. Piracy is so high that artists can hardly survive.”
He lashed out at events organisers who spend large amounts on international acts but not for homegrown artists.
His final album is currently untitled, but he says he plans to take it on a tour across the country.
“I really want to personally take my last album to whoever wants to listen. I also want to shoot many music videos. From 2021 I am embracing a new journey in my life. My kings and queens (supporters) need to put themselves in my shoes. I am excited and will continue to work hard. I am hoping for the best,” Berthold said.
In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.
The Namibian uses AI tools to assist with improved quality, accuracy and efficiency, while maintaining editorial oversight and journalistic integrity.
Stay informed with The Namibian – your source for credible journalism. Get in-depth reporting and opinions for
only N$85 a month. Invest in journalism, invest in democracy –
Subscribe Now!
