“My Dad Didn’t Want Me Then, Many Advised Mom to Abort Me” – Roberto

“My Dad Didn’t Want Me Then, Many Advised Mom to Abort Me” – Roberto

On October 18th, legendary R&B/Afro-fusion musician Roberto released his highly awaited sixth studio album, Born to Win, which includes 19 powerful tracks.

While each song reflects his own approach, the album’s concluding single, likewise titled Born to Win, drew widespread attention.

In this song, Roberto opened up about his traumatic upbringing, telling a highly intimate story that many people had never heard.

“I came into this world as a reject,” he says in the song, reflecting on a life that started against the odds. Roberto reveals a haunting truth at birth, he had no life.

“The doctors worked hard just to breathe life into my lungs. I spent days in an incubator, just fighting to survive, and I made it thanks to God.”

This real sensitivity struck a chord with his followers, many of whom identified with the singer’s resilience.

Roberto, known for his sweet voice and colourful combination of R&B and Afrobeat rhythms, had a difficult personal life that contrasted strongly with his public character of success.

His social media announcement for the album’s release, which included a video of him and his mother, lent emotional dimension to the endeavour.

“Many had advised my mum to abort me, but she chose to keep me,” Roberto shared in his post. “I played her the song Born to Win and thanked her for deciding to bring me into this world. I was Born to Win.”

The title track captures Roberto’s journey both as an artist and as a survivor. The singer, who has sold out stadiums in Uganda, won many HiPipo and NAMA awards, and awards against African music legends such as Meddy and P-Square, has frequently been regarded as an artist who defies the odds.

At the height of his fame in South Africa, Roberto reportedly received almost $10,000 for performing only two songs during a 10-minute stint in Cape Town.

Despite his brilliant achievements and international popularity, Roberto argues that his success stems from the early fights he battled. “I’ve had such a great life,” he says in the song, acknowledging both the pain and triumphs that shaped his path.

For many his fans, Born to Win is more than just a song. It’s a survival anthem, a reminder that even the most terrible beginnings can lead to great success.

And for Roberto, it’s a celebration of the life his mother battled for, one that has propelled him from the edge of death to become a musical legend.

By revealing his deeply personal narrative, Roberto has not only given his fans a window into his background, but has also cemented his place as one of Africa’s most resilient and inspiring artists. Yes, he was born to win.