This piece was submitted by contributing writer, Ifowa Ajike.
ru. is a firm believer in divine orchestration.
“There’s just something about submitting to a will that is much higher than yours, smarter than yours, incredibly intelligent and also trustworthy,” she says. “It has never failed me yet.” I’m inclined to agree.
Going off deep conviction, she released her first single ‘i think i love you’ (and a remix with Magixx) in 2024, and since then it’s been a cascade of good things lining up for her career with ease, including a team and a growing community of supporters. With her debut EP ‘Silk’, she seeks to let listeners in on a page from her diary, detailing lessons on the fluidity and strength of becoming. But there is a multifacetedness to Ruth that is intriguing. Listening to her speak felt like looking at a glass prism reflecting a multitude of colours when sunlight passes through. As it is turned, more colours reveal themselves, combining in ways you least expect.
And this is just the beginning.
Just before preparing to catch a flight, we speak about everything: Disney Channel, being rooted in identity and faith, the beauty and complexities of womanhood, alter egos, and her pursuit of excellence.
First of all, congratulations on the release of your EP. This is your first official project. How’ve you been feeling about the release, and how’s the reception been?
I’ve been so floored, to be honest, in the best way possible. I didn’t know what to expect. I mean, I’m so confident in the work we did – just me by myself, feedback from my team and people whose ears I trust. But it’s a different ballgame entirely to hear people just resonate with what you’re doing or get it in the same way that you intended for them to. It’s been such a graceful welcome. It’s almost like they welcomed my baby with open arms, and it makes me feel so blessed because with art, it’s open to interpretation, and it’s not necessarily going to be the same way everyone receives it, but so far I’ve had really, really good feedback.
This is the first time I’m putting out a project, the first body of work that can really announce a sonic identity for ru., so it mattered that I put my best foot forward and was excellent with it. I’m happy it’s paying off.
I’m honestly in a very grateful place. I don’t say it’s more than I hoped for, because I tried not to have any expectations at all, period, so that I would be unaffected, you know? I try to protect my heart, but I’m just so grateful. I think God has done above and beyond with this so far, and I know it’s only the starting point, so I’m excited for the next few weeks as well.
So you were in Lagos for the listening party, then went back to Abuja. Has Abuja always been home for you?
Yes; born here, raised here, schooled here, except for uni. Abuja is home for me.
You went to American University of Nigeria. Was there already a creative inclination, not even necessarily towards music, that eventually drove you there?
Oh, for sure. My major was Communications and Multimedia Design, which gave me the avenue to pursue a lot of different concentrations under that particular major. It allowed me to learn about video direction, screenwriting, production, presenting, photography, videography- just many things that had to do with being behind the scenes, but creative processes in different fields of creativity. I love that it offered me a range of opportunities, especially because I wasn’t necessarily sure what I wanted to do yet.
So I went with something that just offered me a lot and would give me enough time to keep thinking and processing what I wanted my actual field to be. There was nothing I didn’t try or do. I’m really just the kind of person to go with the flow. If I’m interested in something, I’m going to give it a try. You can start without declaring a major while you’re still figuring out what you want to do, so I did have that opportunity for sure.
Were there any signs of creativity in your childhood, and who or what were the influences?
I feel like no one has ever phrased this question like this, especially because I always tell people I didn’t start out wanting to do music. Music was a discovery I made in 2024, something I stumbled into and decided to give a chance. But I’d say growing up watching Disney definitely did something in terms of inclination toward the creative arts. Hannah Montana, A.N.T. Farm, a bunch of shows where there were children who were always taking chances on themselves or surrounded by people who gave them the impetus to at least try. My whole childhood was “Dare to dream. Dare to be different. You can do it if you want to.” Maybe that’s why I have that kind of attitude towards life; I’m not scared to try things. I may be scared, but I will probably try it scared. Even with music, I remember starting out saying I wanted to wear a mask at first. I was like, I want to do this, and I’m going to do whatever it takes for me to be comfortable enough to do it.
As far as favourite artists, from Michael Jackson to Bruno Mars, Raye, Tems, Ayra Starr, Outkast. The range is so weird: Bring Me the Horizon, I’ll listen to Rock; I’ll listen to RnB like Chris Brown, Justin Bieber, and still come back to Soul, from Aretha Franklin to Cleo Sol of now. There’s nothing I don’t listen to. As far as it’s good music, it’s good music. I do agree that little pieces of these things that have been pulling me definitely gather to make the sound I have now, or even parts of the personality of ru.
When Miley puts on that wig, she’s a completely different person. For creative people, having that alter ego can really help bring out something.
It really, really does. And that’s exactly how I approach my artist persona, as well. She’s not a completely different person because I gave birth to her, but she does have to be a certain way in this particular industry, even if I’m not like that. She has to learn to be bold; she has to learn to speak in front of people; she has to be this performer and entertainer. It involves a lot of acting sometimes because you’re not always feeling good, but the show must go on. She just has to have all these other personality traits I don’t necessarily have or need in my normal everyday life. So I’ve learned to somewhat separate the two. Sometimes it’s like “Oh no, jazz, up o. This is not Ruth we’re talking about.” Even having the wig too is very, very Hannah core, and it wasn’t deliberate; I think it’s just where I’m at. Separating those two personalities just really helps you in terms of delivery, how you show up for both of them and the people that you need to show up for in both spaces as authentically as possible.
Is there anyone you’re listening to right now that’s inspired you?
The easiest answer is Ayra because her new album just came out. I feel like she’s an artist who really takes a chance on herself, and that’s very, very inspiring. Her journey was like a beautiful flower that was blooming right in front of me. It almost feels like you were right there with her up until the point where she’s at now. There was actual growth in real time, and as an artist who now understands a lot of the struggle behind the scenes vocally, performance-wise, everything that goes into the artistry- there’s so much respect for that and even the drive.
I’m really loving on Starr Girl at the moment. Victony too, if I were to give a guy, because that has been my guy from time. Sonically, I feel like he’s someone I could have also pulled a bit from. I’ve noticed a lot of comments where people are like, “Ahh Victony don wear skirt o.” I think it’s because of Colours off my EP and the way the flow is, but it’s one of the reasons I like him. He makes music the way I would make music. I get so jealous hearing some songs he makes because I’m like, “I would write like this,” “I really wish this was my song.” I think he’s such a star; I love how he plays with melodies. Maybe we won’t write about the same exact things because our audiences are not the same, but melody-wise? He’s up there.
Another album I’m really feeling this year is Before the Morning Light from Johnny Drille. Johnny is also someone I feel is evolving in such a beautiful way, and even with experimental sounds, he’s still so himself. I love that album so much. I can’t explain the reasons why, but that’s another one I’m feeling right now.
I came across a reel from 2024 where you hesitated before finally saying “I’m a musician.” What drove you to make that decision at the time?
It was necessary for me to come out and do that at the time, because when you’re starting out, it’s just you, your friends and your family. And you’re about to tell them this thing none of them have ever heard before. It came out of the blue, even for me. It’s different if I were one of those people who, from a young age, were talking about how they want to be musicians when they grow up. That was never the case. So it was going to be a very hard pill to swallow for them, and even for me to just own that. I feel like as an upcoming artist, there’s a lot of shame sometimes just starting, especially now where the industry is so saturated; there’s a million people doing it. What makes you different? I felt like the first step in holding this truth and being bold with it was going to have to be me being like, “Okay, point blank period, this is what’s happening whether you people like it or not.” It was just about me owning it for me, but it was also like a PSA for them. It was also a mental exercise I needed to do, to kind of configure my mind and help me because I wanted to be serious about it.
Usually when I have an interest in something, I follow through, because I always feel like this is the spirit leading me, and I do believe that. I believe heavily in divine orchestration. I love being aligned, and there’s a feeling that comes with it. You always know when you’re in the right place at the right time, and I don’t like missing those windows, because if you don’t take those chances, you never know. I’m young, maybe not so young, but I do feel that this is the best time for trial and error. Whatever the case may be, if this idea was born in my mind, it didn’t come from thin air, and I want to see it through.
I had to get to a point where I realised that people would tell me things, but I have to be okay with that and just stick to what I knew I was doing, and that was a way to cement myself. I’ve opened my mouth and I’ve said it now, so I kind of have to follow through. That was what that video was about, and I love that you could see the emotions I was going through because they were happening in real time. I was very scared; it was like being thrown into the deep end. Even one of the reasons I’m so grateful for the response to this EP, I have a very small following; you’re competing to get timelines. Up till now, I’m not sure even half of one per cent of Nigeria has heard my music, but you have to just believe in yourself. You have to be so delusional to do this. With a lot of the videos I was making then and now, I try to let people into my mind a little bit, because I want you to remember there’s a human being first, and I’m actually just figuring things out.
Eventually, off that single, you get a DM from your co-manager, Donawon. How did that reaction unfold, and how did the relationship blossom into what it is now?
When he messaged me, I didn’t know who he was, but when I checked his page, I’m like, no, this does not look like a normal guy, you know? My brother was there, and I showed him. He goes, “No, this is Tems’s manager.” He shows me his Twitter, and I’m like, “What?” I message him back, I was excited, we said a few words, and he said, “let’s talk.” He asked me for music I had unreleased that he could listen to, I sent him stuff, and he was like, “Ruth, I love your music.” I don’t remember all the details of that first conversation now, but everything that’s happened from the point where I made that video where I said, “I make music,” I haven’t really had to force anything. Things just kind of come. And this is the thing about being aligned and allowing things in their own time, because it’s meant for you, there’s nothing that can deter it from happening.
With Don, it was just sparks that flew. When you meet someone who aligns with your value systems, in an industry where you feel like someone is actually there protecting you and has the experience, it’s like there’s this guy fighting in front of you that is actually capable and has the capacity, the power to do these things. When he tells you this is what can happen, you believe him, not because he’s selling you dreams, but because he’s shown you it’s possible.
These are things that really inspired confidence in him, and so far our partnership has been immaculate. It’s not just about doing work. There’s a lot of wisdom, learning a lot from people that are actually filled with light, and that’s the kind of person he and the rest of my managers are. They remind me, even in times when I’m doubting myself, that they believe in me, and they’re putting their money where their mouth is. I have a big team, and it’s kind of early for that to be the case, but it has happened the way it has happened. I feel like it is literally just a match made in heaven; I love all of them. They deserve more than honour, if I can say. There’s no team that’s better than mine, if I do say so myself.
Your faith clearly plays a big role in being your guiding compass, in your life and in how and what you create. Did you ever have doubts about letting that guide you, especially in an industry where things can seem very smoke and mirrors? How did you get to this place of being comfortable enough to speak about it openly?
So, two things. First of all, there was never any fear or doubt about bringing God in. In fact, that was the only reason I knew I had a chance of succeeding at this. He’s my chemical X; he’s the secret, my own cheat code. It’s not that he belongs in the conversation; he’s leading it. I’m here because I’ve been led here. What I start with him, I have to follow through, because if I try to go outside, I don’t think things will be as easy as they are now. It’s just easier to lean on someone, because then you’re not the one taking losses. My success is a stakeout on God’s name. That’s why I know things are going to work. That’s the confidence I needed to do it, so there was never any fear or doubt.
I’m going to tell you that I know what I know. My conviction is my conviction. I don’t know if there’s anything yet that can change my mind. I am so completely convinced in my identity, and I think that is the one thing that will set me apart. I have to tell myself, you’re coming into an industry where there’s a whole population, a nation in terms of music. What makes you different, what makes you stand out? There are a lot of artists that are God-centered and praying, and just not sharing that with you, because, to be fair, their personal life is nobody’s business. It’s like saying I’m dark-skinned, then I want to hide that; it’s all over my face. People ask me how I add God to music without contradicting the Bible, or if I’m against Christianity by making music that’s secular.
I’m not making secular music; I’m making music, period. I also don’t feel the need to explain myself. If I am of God, everything I’m making comes from there. I don’t have to perform or try to do extra; everything is coming from the same place. I know my source, and the fruit of the music is going to tell whoever cannot see now, later. I’ve always expressed myself, whether through writing or speaking or art; the difference is that I’ve put melodies under it now. If you’re being true to yourself, if this is who you’ve always been, then why do you need to explain yourself to anyone?
I don’t worry about my music. I want to be one of those people that people can trust, even with their two-year-olds to listen to. I really want to be a trusted household name for this reason, because I trust the God who is giving me my music. Whatever kind of expression of art you have, it’s beyond normal; you’re already acting in a God-like capacity, so it’s coming from a source. You’re creating something that never was, especially with sounds, things that were never heard, or colours or pictures. It came as a function of you engaging your mind. If that is not God-like, I don’t know what is.
Let’s dive into Silk. How was Entertainer made, and why did it become the opener?
We actually changed this last minute. Like I told you, I have the best team in the world. It was one of those situations where we had two great openers and had to make a difficult decision. Even arranging my EP was work done with my A&R, a collaborative effort. When you trust people, and you know they know their job, you can actually trust what they do. I can’t even take credit for choosing Entertainer as the opener; that was Simi’s call. It’s one of my favourite songs. In fact, it wasn’t going to make the EP initially; I had to fight for it, then everybody saw the light. It’s actually one of the best songs we have in terms of numbers right now. I’m honestly so grateful for the people around me who were able to see that and give it the space it deserved.
Shout out to your A&R. You made it with Wademix, who also produced Colours. How did that collaboration come about?
That was also my A&R, Kels, who got us together. In the first session, we had two songs in about three hours. We did another session, and Entertainer came from there. Colours was from the first day Wade and I met. He’s one of my favourite producers; we just really get each other, and it’s so easy to work with him. Things kind of just happen; we made music, and we’re still making music. He’s someone I look forward to working with full time.
I’m not gonna lie, I don’t know exactly how we made Entertainer. It’s like most of my songs; the thing about me is I like to be engaged in my first listen, so I don’t like listening to soundtracks or instrumentals without having a recording device. Usually the first idea that comes to me is the idea that I love. I write the song from top to bottom because it’s always a story, so as it’s playing, I’m telling you something. Sometimes it’s just the instrumental taking you somewhere, or reminding you of a feeling, and you kind of just follow through with it. I just let the music take me where it wants to.
How did you determine what made the EP and what got left on the cutting room floor?
It started with where my head was at, and all the music I’d been making the past year and a half or two. What was the central idea, the central theme? We’re talking about becoming: owning one’s flaws or strengths and just being who you are unapologetically. Whether it’s loving loudly, accepting that you’re falling for someone, accepting the colours and shades of your creativity and who you are, or faith. Once that was set, what are the songs that tell these stories the strongest? Sonic identity too. That’s why I have to give it to Kels for curating the perfect five or six songs that work sound-wise and also carry the story and the message as strongly as possible. It’s telling the same story, but in different ways or different settings. It’s almost like an introduction to ru. Again, I can’t take credit for arranging it; it was one of those ones where I just did finishing touches.
Silk represents softness, fluidity, and strength, which ties into how you explore womanhood in your music. What draws you to speaking about it so much?
I think I’m just in a position, at a time in my life where I’m questioning a lot of things. Who am I as a woman, what am I here to do, purpose, etc. It’s why I said authenticity is key with art. So all of the songs I’m making, all of the things I’m saying, are basically expressions of the place I’m at in my life right now. I’m a girl who is transitioning into being a woman of her own. What am I supposed to be like? What does love look like for me? How do I interact with a guy? How do I express myself? What are my gifts? It’s basically all of the facets of who I am. You’re basically taking a page out of my diary when you listen to my music. Those are the questions I’m asking right now; those are the answers I’m getting right now. I’m sharing my inner conversations, my worries, my fears, the lessons I’m learning.
What are you most excited about for your career moving forward, and what are your hopes for the next 5-10 years?
To be honest, I want to be a voice. That’s just it. Not only because of the content of the music, but in terms of excellence as well. I want to get better. I’m not the best vocalist; music is new to me, so I’m still learning how to sing. I love writing, so that’s where it’s at for me. There’s still so much room to grow. I’m hoping for some of the best collaborations ever. 10 years is a long time; five years is a long time; even a year from now, a lot can happen, and I can’t really attest to what can happen. I’m the type of person who loves to live in the present and just go with where I’m being led. I don’t know what it looks like, but I can just promise that I will always be doing my best. Whatever the case is, I know that I will be dying on the hill of doing my best and always giving my absolute best. I insist on excellence; I insist on clean work.
I love beauty; I love to extend it, give it, receive it in any form that I can. The best thing I can hope for is that my best will be good enough, regardless, at whatever time. I’m hoping our little family grows. I’m hoping my sounds reach the corners they’re supposed to get to, the people they’re supposed to get to. I’m hoping my music becomes a part of core memories for people, maybe even architect some moments that are unforgettable. I’m just hoping for the best.
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