After more than five years without releasing an album, Rwandan afrobeat artiste Daniel Semivumbi, popularly known by the stage name Danny Vumbi, has announced details of a virtual album launch for his third collection dubbed, ‘Inkuru Nziza’.
The event, which will be broadcast via YouTube, Spotify and iTunes will take place on July 3.
Speaking about his online show, Danny said he was especially eager to do something special for fans who had been looking forward to album launch, which was scheduled first for July and August in Paris, France.
The singer’s decision to launch his 12-track album online, comes as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, which has seen all concerts and all public gatherings in the country banned since March to prevent the spread of the COVID-19.
"This situation is beyond our control, but I have no plan to cancel my album launch and the virtual show seems to be the only alternative to share with my fans the music,” Vumbi told The New Times.
"Though the COVID-19 pandemic has ruined my projects, I believe that life goes on and that’s why I can’t postpone the show. My management is putting everything in place to help me prepare for the album launch. I hope they will enjoy every song on the album,” he added.
The singer said he has taken time working on his third album.
"The feedback I have started getting is very positive and this gives me a goal picture that I have done well on the album,” he said.
At the virtual launch, Danny plans to play most - if not all - of the twelve tracks featured on the album, as well as some more of his own personal favourites and some special fan requests.
The album includes previous singles ‘Ni Danger’, ‘Abana Babi’, ‘Yibare’, as well as current release, ‘Amakosa’, ‘Nsezera’ and ‘Ijana ku Ijana.”
It was recorded by Made Beats from Meadebeats studio and Bob Pro of Soundss studio.
His previous albums are ‘Umudendezo’ and ‘Twese’.
Music career
The singer’s career started way back in 2002, as a member of the all-boy band, The Brothers, alongside Victor Fidele and Fikiri Nshimiyimana, aka Ziggy55 before embarking on a solo career in 2012 that has seen him produce several singles and collaborations with renowned local musicians.
"Going solo, I felt like I was going to start music from scratch, despite claiming the limelight with The Brothers. I did my best with my commitment to bounce back and here I am,” he said.
Today, the 36-year-old is a household name on the local music scene. As a songwriter, Danny Vumbi has composed several songs for his fellow artistes including Bruce Melodie’s ‘Ntundize’, Charly na Nina’s ‘Try Me’ and ‘Nta Kibazo’, which was a collaboration of Urban Boys, Bruce Melodie and Riderman.