It’s a smash, very popular in Rwanda and in many other countries. The young and old sing Amarulah, by the Zambian heartthrob Robert Banda.

Roberto, as he is fondly known to his fans, is a striking force in Zambian entertainment as an artiste and he possess lyrical gentleness which comes through in his singing and performances.

The singer, who is expected to grace the former Big Brother Africa- Hotshot Arthur Nkusi’s, Arthur Amplified show on May 9 in Kigali, shared with Moses Opobo the inspiration behind his hit track, Amarulah. Excerpts:

What inspired the song, Amarulah?

Well I first worked on the beat and had another idea for the song all together. I recall making the beat in the evening and by morning, I had another idea pop up and it was just the name Amarulah at that point.

VIDEO: Roberto - Amarulah [Music Video]: Zambian TV. Source: Zambian TV/YouTube

I didn’t know what direction I would take but as soon as I opened my mouth to sing it was all smooth sailing. I don’t write down lyrics but just let what’s on my mind flow. An hour later, I had a new song called Amarulah!

Tell us about your first visit to Rwanda in 2010.

My first visit to Rwanda was splendid, and the reception we received was over the moon. That time I came as a back-up singer for my brother General Ozzy.

We loved Kigali from arrival and have constantly made reference that this is one country I would visit any time of the year. Such a beautiful country and I truly just love the vibe.

Tell us about your brother Gen. Ozzy. Do you work together musically?

General Ozzy and I work together quite a lot, I am currently working on his EP, writing and producing his music and we just released a song called Census which has already made it to Radio charts so quite amazing working with him always.

What should Rwandans expect from your visit this time?

Unlike the previous visit where I came as a backup artiste for General Ozzy, I’m bringing my A game because the support I have received so far is totally unbelievable and I believe all my #TeamRobertoRwanda fans deserve to see nothing but the best from me. Plus it’s truly amazing returning to the beautiful country of Rwanda.

What projects are you working on currently?

Currently I’m working on some material with Pato Ranking from Nigeria and Don Jazzy’s artiste Reekado Banks all from Nigeria. We are about to release new videos and some surprise material so it really is an exciting time for everyone in the camp.

From Rwanda we have a number of events I am attending with the entire Brotherhood Music Crew, so it’s a packed time of the year, cruising till end of the year looking at how our calendar is growing by the day.

How did you scoop the deal to perform at Arthur Amplified?

How the deal came about is really all thanks to maintaining Friendship, years after I last visited Rwanda I came across a great friend DJ Pius and he and our Record label have always kept close contact and I must thank him for making Amarulah the song it is in Rwanda.

As soon as it was released we immediately sent it to him and he did his magical works and here we are, so he too is the contact behind Roberto coming to Rwanda, So our thank you goes to Pius, he is a true brother.

What are some of your favourite concert destinations on the continent?

I Guess my show with American Rapper Eve in Namibia will always have a special place, also Kampala Uganda with Radio & Weasel was explosive, and not forgetting Rwanda, you have no idea how I love Rwanda, this country is just amazing, Last but not least I know it’s not on the African continent but my launch in London UK made a huge difference in my musical career to date.

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