Ruth Robert Unde known in the entertainment industry as Ru is a rising Afro-pop star who blends her passion for storytelling with soulful melodies. Born and raised in Abuja, Nigeria, Ru’s diverse background (with roots in Benue and Plateau states) has shaped her unique perspective. After exploring various creative paths, including photography, modeling, visual arts, communications, and multimedia design, Ru discovered her true calling in songwriting. Inspired by her personal experiences and a deep faith, Ru’s music resonates with audiences seeking authenticity and inspiration. With a captivating voice and a knack for crafting relatable narratives, Ru’s Afro-pop anthems celebrate life, love, and the power of resilience. Her music is a testament to her journey, proving that passion and perseverance can lead to extraordinary achievements
She speaks to Sunday Oyinloye, Publisher Green Savannah Diplomatic Cable about her music and her big dream
Excerpts
You studied Communication, Media and Design, why did you decide to go into music?
It’s like with everything else in life, when you know, you know. You may try a million things overtime, but you can always feel when there’s a spark with something. For me, with music it was an undeniable love at first attempt and i haven’t turned back since then.
What informs your brand of music?
It’s largely informed by who i am, who i want to be and the world i want to live in. I write purely off real experiences, motivations, inspiring stories, and even the hard things life offers sometimes. But as a preacher of love and joy i also like to project ideal realities and good vibes. I’d like to believe I’m creating a world I’d love to live in with each song. However above all, i strive for my work to be honest and authentic.
What makes you different from other singers?
Honestly, the difference is me. No one will write or sing the way i will cause only i can be me.I can’t pretend to have a sense of anyone else’s motivations or purposes, but i know what mine is and i intend to focus on that.
Can you speak about your debut single “I Think I Love You”?
It’s a song about courage and taking bold steps to reach out for something you want even when it’s scary, or not ideal. Women ideally would never take the first step, but i hope to successfully make them consider having a hand in the outcome of their own romantic relationships.
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Are you working on any album at the moment and what was the inspiration?
I’m working on an EP at the moment; it’s about love, my perspective on its different facets and our experience of these different sides/extremes of it.
Who is your role model in the music industry?
I have way too many, but let me mention few of them ; Fireboy, Ayra Starr, Raye, Koffee, Anderson Paak, 070 shake, Burna boy, Crayon, Rema, Ed Sheeran, Charlie Puth, Mahalia etc.
Tell me your big dream and what you are doing to actualise it?
My dream is to make a timeless mark in the entertainment industry to the glory of God and to be a crucial contributor to the globalization of Afrobeats as a genre in its own right. I’m working at this one song at a time, accepting constructive criticism, studying industry giants and adding my spice along the way.
What is your message to Nigerian youth?
The difference between you and anybody at the top of their game is the willingness to try and the boldness to keep trying. The hard part is starting or attempting, and continuing consistently can be harder, but i sincerely believe that with discipline any goal is achievable.
Is there something special about you that you think the world doesn’t know?
That i sing is probably the biggest shock to most people, especially those close to me, but maybe we’ll figure out more special things as we continue on this journey together.
