Mixing a classic soul flavour with gospel music, Ambani Ramaru's music has been hailed as timeless in its message. His voice moves perfectly through the melody and his sound transitions comfortably from traditional to contemporary gospel.
Ambani Ramaru, who is also known as AR in music circles, has enjoyed a decorated music career, receiving acknowledgements from a variety of music bodies, including the SABC Crown Gospel Awards and the United Kingdom African Gospel Music Awards.
As a singer, he has shared the stage with many gospel notables and has travelled to Denmark, Paris, Italy, and Germany.
His debut album Lift Him was produced in 1996. "My music has evolved greatly from my first demo, which I recorded in 1996,” he said.
He has since released two albums through the years, and he seems to believe that good music is not measured by quantity but the quality of the product. “For me, gospel music is not just for entertainment and this is the reason why my music is aimed at changing lives and bringing about solutions,” he said.
His music is dynamic, powerful and vibrant.
With humility, the father of three acknowledges that he found the formula for a successful ministry and business, based on the Bible, and has cultivated through an intimate relationship with God. “Gospel music is a ministry for me, not just entertainment,” he said. “I am an artist by design or talent and a gospel singer by calling, I regard my gospel singing as a mode of fellowship with God and leading the people of God into his presence. Music is definitely a playing field for me, and a reward after doing my business and work activities.”
Ambani's musical journey started with playing self-made drums under the tree and singing when he was about nine years old. "My first performance was at church, singing a song, Tshilidzi tsha Murena, by Dr Irene Mawela. This was back in 1988.”
He is currently working on an eight-track album due in March this year.
