Amaru is a singer and songwriter as well as being a trained actor. Originally from the Republic of Suriname (South America) he has been residing in the Netherlands since 1991. In 2008, he began releasing music with his debut single Put Your Hands Up. His 4th single Independence Day was released in 2016 and won a Bronze Award at the Global Music Awards In Los Angeles. Since then he has worked on his full length debut album Champagne Attitude, which was released in 2018.
This track, Joystick, is taken from that album and it’s an upbeat RnB track that features Amaru both rapping and singing. Over an infectious beat, Amaru lays down the verses with an assured, distinctive rapping style, the rhythm bringing to mind the classic Fight For Your Right To Party by The Beastie Boys. Joystick also has a similar party vibe and switches to sung vocals for the instantly memorable title hook: “You can bring your X-box, I will bring my joystick…”.
From the lyrics to the second verse it becomes obvious that Amaru isn’t talking about computer games: “This is what grown ups too, consensual, respectful too, a come-together of the mind, body, senses …so divine”. After an equally entertaining third verse the track finishes with repeat choruses and some nice vocal extemporising from Amaru.
Overall, this is an extremely catchy and risqué RnB track from an artist with his own unique style. Equally adept at both rapping and singing, Amaru has a cheeky charm and his lothario persona along with his witty innuendos are guaranteed to put a smile on your face. It certainly has the kind of infectious hook that sticks in your mind after one listen and could well be the track that brings Amaru to a bigger, worldwide audience.
VERDICT = 8.6 out of 10
Alex Faulkner
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