He is a son of Africa. The first breath he took was of African air. The first steps he took were on African soil and the first words he sang Africa heard. Although he now resides in London, his heart is where his home is. He is Roland Albertson, longing and ambitious, singer and songwriter, the voice behind ‘There is no place like home’.

Roland was born in South Africa in 1981 and hung out in Jo’s burg for most of his youth, going to school and playing sport like most good ‘Saffa’ lads. His love of music grew from hours and hours of listening to the best of Bob Dylan, The Amazing Rhythm Aces, Fleetwood Mac, JJ Cale, Dire Straits and many other legends in his family and relatives homes. Music defined his memories, fed his emotions and stimulated his creativity until one day he picked up a guitar and started to teach himself to play. Now some 10 years down the line, Roland has an IT commerce degree from UCT, Cape Town (and a surfing degree as it goes with the territory!), and a diploma from the Guitar Institute in London.

Roland started out as a solo acoustic act, playing open mic nights and gigging in local restaurants and pubs, observing the wealth and depth of other musical talent that London offers along the way. He worked on refining his talents until he put a band together with college mates from the The Guitar Institute, and his music truly came to life with the addition of a drummer, bassist and lead guitarist.

His almost ‘old school’ approach to song writing lends itself perfectly to his distinct and soulful voice. He takes you on a journey through the lessons of life by setting familiar scenes and stirring up raw emotions. His empathy leaves you with a feeling of comfort. He does not have a formula or style, and does not write to any specific genre, but there are two things that are always on his mind – rhythm and soul! When you listen to Rol there are hints of Jack Johnson and Coldplay but don’t be surprised to hear a bit of Beck or Radiohead in there too.

While Roland works at his IT to put bread on the table, he lives for the hours in between that he spends writing his own music and songs. Every musician dreams of being able to share their creativity with the world and Rol is no exception. To a rising star, may the African heart beat with you.