Her love for music started at the United Reformed church in Sarepta, where she joined the children’s choir and brigade.
Britney Ruth Gertze (23), born and bred in Kuils River, has joined various choirs and an a capella group over the years. She also learnt to play instruments such as the piano, guitar, drums (like her brothers) and saxophone.
The former learner of Kuils River Primary and Sarepta and De Kuilen (from Grade 10) high schools went on to study biotechnology. Currently Gertze works as a full-time production laboratory technician.
Through her studies and work she has never let go of her passion for music.
“I enjoyed studying and I enjoy my job, but nothing really gives me that same satisfaction and grounded feeling as when I am singing,” Gertze said.
Opportunity
Soon after she made a decision at the beginning of the year to follow her passion in “any which way”, an opportunity came knocking.
“I got the opportunity to gig at Rich Meats in Milnertonï.” Faryl Roberts, a friend of Britney’s sister-in-law Alvina Gertze, enquired about anyone who can sing and play an instrument outside his premises.
She sent a video of herself and soon started gaining invaluable exposure through the platform provided by the business for up-and-coming young artists to showcase their talent and be paid.
This experience has just magnified Gertze’s love for music as well as that feeling that this is what she is meant to do.
Roberts has since become Britney’s artist’s manager following the project’s success.
“It can sometimes be a challenge, given my work and other extracurriculars,” she said, “but when it gets hard I just hang on to that feeling and the joy it brings.”
“Britney Ruth is in a class of her own,” he declared, “but if you want to describe her genre style it ranges from Indie-African-Soul to Rhythm and Blues with some playful Pop songs in between.
“She’s also writing her own songs with sophisticated lyrical content and will release it in good time.”
Britney Ruth (her stage name) will do her first own show at DNA Café and Eatery at Langverwachtplein on Friday 29 September at 19:00. Doors open at 18:00. Tickets cost R120.
Book at www.dnacafe.co.za/event-details/britney-ruth-in-concert. Contact Faryl Roberts on 064 215 6432 for more information.
