What life has taught me as a single mum —Ruby Gyang

Chocolate City star, Sarauniya Ruby Gyang is one of the female musicians rocking the airwaves. With over a decade experience in the game, Gyang has created her space and lives in it. In this interview with SEYI SOKOYA, she speaks about her career and life as a single mother. Excerpts:

 

How are your plans designed to give your career a facelift in 2018?

2018 is a great year of me. I took needed break during the Christmas and New Year holidays, but I am back to work now. I dropped a new single entitled: Oya Dance and video will hit the airwaves soon. I have also mapped out other plans for the year and I will achieve them as I desire, because of my trust in God.

 

Why did it take you a while to produce songs?

I took a year off, precisely 2016, to focus on creating music. When I came back in 2017, I released two singles: Kale Ni and O Holy Night (a Christmas song).

 

Congratulation on your award as the Best Arewa Artiste of the Year at the recently held Kaduna Entertainment Awards (KEA), how did you feel when you were declared winner?

I felt very happy. The category was quite competitive with heavy weights like Classiq and Di’ja. It was a pleasant surprise for me. I thank God and the organisers for the recognition. This is a great sign that my works are very well known and appreciated in the North and that I have loyal and supportive fan-based there as well. The brand, Ruby Gyang has really evolved over the years from when I started singing from the church way back in Jos.

 

How did you discover your passion for music?

I started singing at age five in the church choir. My musical foundation is gospel music and I knew that was what I was going to do, because I was obsessed with it. Then, I would spend hours listening to music. Church was a factor; it was where we had family devotions. At school also, we had awesome music programmes such as dance and acting programmes. I was doing this my whole life. So, along the line, I just realised that this was what I love to do. I met with Jesse Jagz, M .I, Ice Prince in Jos and we started making music together. We were in school back then, which kept us in Jos at the time. At a point, M.I. told me that it was time for us to move to Lagos. But, it was tough due to the difference in pace between Jos and Lagos. However, I had to adjust to the fast-paced Lagos life. I had a shout out to MI, who encouraged me and pledged to support my music career.

 

Would you say you have done enough with your music career?

I thank God for where I am today, because it has not been easy pushing my career. The experience has been quite good. I have been able to carve a niche for myself in the industry. Last year, I focused on reconnecting with my root; my Northern fan-base. All my award nominations and the ones I have won are also an evidence of my hard work. The acceptability all over is also encouraging me to do more. I still have a lot to deliver. I am focused, but not desperate to make it in the industry. I am glad that my works are doing well in the industry.

 

How soon should your fans expect your debut album?

It is this year. This is part of what I have mapped out for the year, and I know my fans will love it. Presently, I am shooting some videos of the songs from the album. I want so seize this medium to appreciate my fans for their support and loyalty through the thick and thin. They should watch out for new and interesting works from their own, Ruby.

 

How much of repertoire do you give to your genre of music?

Soul/R&B is very deep and musical. Creating that kind of music requires time, skill and creativity by the singer, producer and songwriter. I devote a lot of hard work in all I do. If you have listened to most of my songs, you would notice that I don’t rush things; I take my time to do songs that are timeless and resonate with the people.

 

Is it that difficult to have R&B hit songs unlike Hiphop ones?

Fact is that if you make a song that everyone can relate to, it will become a hit, regardless of the genre.

 

Do you think merging Loopy music with Chic City record label was a wise decision?

Yes, Loopy has benefitted from the structure and brand strength of Chocolate City Music and it has helped my career a lot. It has improved us all.

 

How do you see the patronage for live performance band?

I see a lot of artistes often using bands for their performances: Tiwa, Wizkid, Flavour. It is definitely growing. What you are asking is whether show promoters and sponsors readily pay for live bands, because it is obviously more expensive (to pay for live band) rather than just a music artiste miming to his song. Well, things are getting better, unlike in the past. The demand and willingness to patronise live bands are on the rise.

 

What is your take on the music industry presently?

It is really growing. The influence of the Nigerian music and dance is felt the world over now. However, some of the problems are still the same: piracy and lack of structure are still limiting investment in the sector.

 

How would you assess yourself among your peers in the industry?

I’m evolving. That means I’m constantly changing, improving. I never want to get to the stage where I’ll think I’m fully grown, because after that comes decline.

 

How is Ruby Gyang’s love life?

It is great. She is focusing on self-love.

 

Is there any man in your life?

No.

 

When should your fans expect Ruby to get married?

When the right person comes along and the time is right.

 

How have you been able to manage a scandal free career?

I am very private and conscious of the responsibility I have towards my daughter as her primary role model. This, more than anything, keeps me from doing things that might cause a scandal.

 

How much work do female artistes give to their music compared to the male counterpart?

It is sacrifice after sacrifice. We have to work even harder. The industry, like in some other climes, puts the female artistes under an unnecessary pressure to deliver; and their sexuality and other aspects are always under scrutiny. For me, music is the main thing and I work at giving it the focus and attention it needs.

 

Who is Ruby Gyang ouside music?

I’m a lover of God and a businesswoman. I am also family-oriented; a supporter of women. I am reserved, deep and determined.  This is one of the reasons I have been able to differentiate Ruby on stage and the real Ruby Gyang. Ruby Gyang-the performer, is the regular me on steroids (laughs). Don’t mind me. I mean that I am energetic with being on steroids. I’m bolder, louder and more dramatic.

 

What are the main things you think people don’t know about you?

I am mischievous; I can’t stand in tight spaces and I read a lot.

 

How is your relationship like with your daughter’s father, Jesse Jagz?

We have a good rapport. We know that it is important for our child’s wellbeing.

 

Any possibility of two of you coming back together?

This is an old gist. I have moved on. Let’s leave it there.