Sometimes the hardest person to convince to walk away from a painful relationship is your own heart. That difficult reality sits at the centre of “Dear Mutima,” a moving collaboration between Zambian Afro-pop singer Frank Ro and award-winning Malawian artist Kell Kay. The song, whose title translates to Dear Heart, arrives with an official music video and delivers an emotional reflection on the complicated nature of love.
Sung in Nyanja and Chewa, the record takes the form of a personal conversation with the heart, questioning why it continues to hold on to relationships that bring more pain than happiness. It explores the familiar cycle of falling in love, getting trapped in unhealthy patterns, walking away and eventually finding yourself drawn back to the same person. At its core is a simple but powerful reminder: the heart must learn to choose carefully when deciding whom to love.
Frank Ro brings his soulful storytelling to the collaboration, drawing from the musical journey that began in Kabwe, where he started out as a church drummer before developing into a recognised Afro-pop vocalist and songwriter. Known for records such as “Reason” and “Sotambe,” he continues to build his sound around heartfelt melodies and relatable experiences.
Joining him is Malawi’s Kell Kay, born Kelvin Kambwiri, whose smooth R&B and Afro-soul delivery adds another emotional layer to the record. Known for songs including “Mr Yesu” and “Bana Pwanya,” the award-winning singer brings his distinctive vocal presence to this cross-border collaboration.
With “Dear Mutima,” Frank Ro and Kell Kay address a painful experience many listeners will recognise: knowing that a relationship is hurting you but struggling to find the strength to let go. It is an emotional reminder that sometimes the heart needs guidance just as much as it needs love.
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