Sometimes, people are so moved that they cry.
And 27-year-old South African singer-songwriter Gugulethu Khumalo, better known by her stage name of Berita, notices such when she performs.
“I write and sing songs that evoke happiness and share truth,” she said on her website, beritaafrosoul.co.za.
The Zimbabwe native has performed all over Africa and shared the stage with such major acts as Ladysmith Black Mambazo and others.
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She will present some of her tunes at “Songs of Hope,” the Sixth Annual Arts For AIDS from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 4 at YES Cinema in downtown Columbus. Though the event is free, organizers are encouraging attendees to donate.
Arts for AIDS is a Columbus-based initiative formed by combining the efforts of five organizations representing projects in Haiti, Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The organization raises awareness of HIV/AIDS, generates support for those affected by this pandemic and connects communities through artistic expression.
Also, Arts For AIDS works with other organizations, such as the local Granny Connection, caring for those impacted by HIV/AIDS.
Berita’s self-titled third album, released last year, “channels the different unpredictable stages of love, from intense passion, to heartbreak, to bouncing back and taking back control,” according to her promotional material.
The gathering also will include a news angle.
Stacy Mullins, representing Indiana Advocates for AIDS Healthcare Foundation, will update the audience on HIV/AIDS progress globally and in southern Indiana.
Arts for AIDS also will introduce Dr. Will Cooke, the agency’s 2018 Frontline Hero for his commitment and compassion in addressing the HIV outbreak in Scott County in 2015. Cooke was also recently named Family Physician of the Year by the American Academy of Family Physicians. Organizers plan for him to speak briefly.
Mary Harmon, a leader for Arts For AIDS, said she realizes that there are plenty of local needs amid those in African nations.
“However, in the United States, there generally are a lot more resources available to support people locally than there for struggling people in underdeveloped countries,” Harmon said.
She knows firsthand. She has made multiple trips over the years to areas such as an orphanage for children of deceased AIDS patients.
Previous Arts For AIDS events have been ticketed affairs generating $15,000 to $20,000, according to Harmon. But this year’s is meant to be “a gift given back to the community,” as she put it.
Ideally, she said she hopes to raise about $10,000 for the cause.
“We really appreciate all the support we have had the last several years,” Harmon said.
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What: “Songs of Hope,” the Sixth Annual Arts For AIDS event featuring Zimbabwe-born singer Berita and Dr. Will Cooke, a southern Indiana physician recognized for his commitment and compassion in addressing the HIV outbreak in Scott County. Cooke was also recently named Family Physician of the Year by the American Academy of Family Physicians. The event is a local observance of World AIDS Day, which is Dec. 1.
When: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 4.
Where: YES Cinema, 328 Jackson St. in downtown Columbus.
Food and drink: Beer, wine and concessions for purchase.
Admission: Free, but organizers are encouraging attendees to donate to the cause.
Infiormation: artsforaids.com.
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