Zambian singer/songwriter/producer and radio presenter, Robert Banda or Roberto as he is more popularly known, is certainly a man of many talents. With two albums currently in the works, Roberto is surely gearing up to impact more on the Zambian industry as well as the African music scene in general. He is currently working on his solo project, and an album for the duo, UZ47 comprising himself and Toniks from Uganda.

According to Roberto, UZ47 stands for Uganda Zambia, and the numbers stand for an assault rifle firing through borders, getting music across borders and gapping everything down so as to connect African countries. The group has so far collaborated with Namibia’s Gal Level and Fishman, Ozzy from Zambia, Ty2 from Zambia and are also nearly working with a few acts from Nigeria and Ghana.

The radio presenter o n one of Zambia’s top private urban radio stations, QFM, hints that UZ47 will soon release a video that was shot in Namibia, as well as a video for his own song called, ‘Love You More’. I caught up with him to find out more about him, Zambian music, UZ47 and more.

Ameyaw Debrah: How long have you been doing music? I have been singing for over 10 years now and I count myself pretty blessed. My first break was in Johannesburg, South Africa in 2005 and when I relocated back to Zambia, I got another break.

Ameyaw Debrah: What kind of music do you do? I am an R&B artist and mainly keep my music circled around events around me and those close to me, plus others. My inspiration mainly comes from real life events happenings that we all go through. I also draw a lot on my influences from Sam Salter, Reggae artists and ironically rave songs. Ameyaw Debrah: How would you describe your journey into music so far?

The journey certainly hasn’t been smooth but it’s about what you make out of every situation. From being the current song of the year winner in Zambia to opening up my own record label and working with world renowned artists, there have been some major pluses for me. But it hasn’t been an easy task at all.

Ameyaw Debrah: Which song won you the song of the year award in Zambia?

The song that won the song of the year award is called ‘Akasuba’ meaning the sun. It was voted by Zambians throughout the country and those outside Zambia too. It was competing with 11 other songs.

Ameyaw Debrah: What would you consider as your achievements in the industry thus far? As an artist, I have hit songs, and as a producer I have produced 14 hit songs of which 6 have been nominated for prestigious awards – winning three of those awards. As a song writer I have written 4 hit songs.

Ameyaw Debrah: How many albums do you have to account for these successes?

I have two albums released namely ‘Roberto’ and ‘Akasuba’. I am working on my third studio release album in addition to an African duo called UZ47.

Ameyaw Debrah: What do you hope to achieve with your collaboration with Toniks from Uganda?

Working with Toniks is just a blessing. My manager had lived in Uganda and met Toniks, who was fast becoming a major star in Uganda. My manager and Chali Mulalami, who also produces and writes some of my music, thought of the idea of pairing me with Toniks and UZ47 was born. Ameyaw Debrah: What is the nature of UZ47 project?

UZ47 is urban and hype, we plan on fitting into the current market but offer music that will cut across not only through the Ugandan or Zambian markets but through every corner of the world. Our music has mixed flavours from R&B, Ragga, Kizomba to feel good music. We have recorded music from state of the art studios that have for years produced hot songs and hit artists too.

Ameyaw Debrah: Are you doing any collaboration with other African artists anytime soon?

I have worked with Radio & Weasel from Uganda, Ozzy from Zambia, Gal level, Fishman and Adora all from Namibia. I am yet to work with Samini from Ghana on a new song. I will also be working with an artist from Rwanda called Tom Close.

Ameyaw Debrah: How would you describe Zambia’s music industry currently?

The music industry in Zambia is escalating and I am fortunate to be a part of it. We are finally getting the much needed recognition which is a great inspiration to the new artists as well.

Ameyaw Debrah: What are your top 5 Zambian songs of the moment?

Top at the moment, I’d say:

5. Titani - Kawalala,

4. Camstar - Come Back Home

3. Roberto - Love You More

2. JK - Soul Survivor

1. UZ47 - Killa Love Ameyaw Debrah: What should Zambia and Africa expect from you?

Well, simply expect the best and only the best.

Join the UZ47 fan page on Facebook. <<<<DOWNLOAD>>>>'Killa Love' By UZ47 & Fishman