Lady Zamar Makes Bold Comeback With New Single “Russian Roulette”

Singer and songwriter Lady Zamar, whose real name is Yamikani Janet Banda, has officially returned to the music scene with the release of her electrifying new single Russian Roulette. After weeks of teasing fans with snippets on social media, the 29-year-old artist dropped the much-anticipated track on Friday, 16 May, marking a fresh chapter in her evolving sound.

Blending themes of love, mystery, and risk, Russian Roulette draws inspiration from the idea of games—specifically the unpredictable, daring nature of romantic vulnerability. Zamar describes the single as an emotional dance between confidence and chaos, where feelings are exposed, and love is both thrilling and uncertain.

“This song is about daring to speak unspoken feelings,” she explained. “It’s playful, it’s intense, it’s a little chaotic—just like love can be.”

The track showcases her versatility as a musician, incorporating afrobeat, pop, and house elements into one fluid, genre-crossing experience. It reflects the artist’s willingness to experiment, capturing a bold new sonic direction as she ushers in what she’s calling her “Summer Era.”

Russian Roulette serves as a prelude to her upcoming album, offering fans a taste of what’s to come in this exciting new phase of her career. It also marks another milestone in her musical journey following her five-year hiatus. Zamar made her official comeback in April 2024 with the release of her sixth studio album, Rainbow—a soulful project centered on themes of love, empowerment, and resilience.

Fans of the “My Baby” hitmaker have welcomed her return with enthusiasm, praising her ability to evolve while staying true to the emotional depth and lyrical storytelling that first made her a household name. Lady Zamar has previously released chart-topping singles such as Collide, Love is Blind, and Mamelodi, earning her numerous accolades along the way.

In addition to her solo work, she recently collaborated with Nigerian DJ Timicrox and US-based singer Elle B on a single titled Strange Things, released on 12 May. The track blends amapiano with touches of R&B and Afropop, further highlighting her global appeal and willingness to embrace international influences.

With Russian Roulette now streaming on all major platforms, Lady Zamar is making it clear that she’s back and more fearless than ever. As anticipation builds for her next album, fans can expect more genre-blending, emotionally rich music from one of South Africa’s most beloved voices.