Growing up in Jos influenced my music career – Ruby Gyang

Weekend Magazine: How did your music career begin?Ruby Gyang: I grew up in a musical family, my mum sang in a church, my grandmother used to sing as well, so music was basically something that surrounded my whole life. I started singing in my church choir when I was five to six years old, in […]

Weekend Magazine: How did your music career begin?
Ruby Gyang: I grew up in a musical family, my mum sang in a church, my grandmother used to sing as well, so music was basically something that surrounded my whole life. I started singing in my church choir when I was five to six years old, in primary school I was involved in cultural events, I would sing and act. In secondary school I was in charge of my school choir, by the time I was 15 I was fully involved in music and I was the praise and worship leader. So basically, music has been part of my life.
WM: You grew up in Jos, which is a city known to be musically-inclined. Did this in any way have an influence on your career?
Gyang: Yes, I would say Jos had a major influence. It was like a meeting point for people across the country and even from the world. There is also a strong missionary presence, so music was a part of growing up because of church. In Jos, everyone is an artiste in one way or the other even if they don’t do it professionally. Whether they are singing, dancing or acting, they make life out of art and craft. Everyone is artistic in one way or the other.
WM: Your first single celebrated men particularly ‘Goodman’ and ‘Down.’ Why the diversion from the norm in the industry?
Gyang: Actually, my first single was the song called ‘OK,’ released in 2011, it was like a heartbreak song, the next was ‘Down’ released in 2012, and then the third single was ‘Goodman.’ ‘Goodman’ was actually a song I thought I would sing on my wedding day to my husband; that was its origin. But the more I played it for people the more the men were getting excited about it. They told me the song was for them and that for the first time in a long time they have someone celebrating men. From there it just went big and so far. When I shot the video, I just showcased men of different ages and classes, after that video, a lot of men confronted me for not using them in the video. Men have taken the song personal, so it has gone beyond just a wedding song to a song that celebrates men in general. After I recorded ‘Goodman,’ a year later my father died, and when I thought of the song, I realised it helped to expand the relationship I had with him. The song is also dedicated to my dad as well, it just had many meanings.
WM: Your genre of music is soul. Why did you choose this even though it is not popular?
Gyang: Different kind of music speaks to different types of people and in different ways.  My dad had a lot of different collections of soul music when I was growing up, so that was what I grew up listening to. I fell in love with that kind of music, even though it wasn’t popular, people still loved it; it still has its place in the industry. Soul music is my calling and I will use it to reach out to people.
WM: What are some of the challenges you face in the industry today?
Gyang: The fact that I do soul music and my type of song is not the popular kind in Lagos, so that has been the toughest part for me. Getting people to accept it and give it a chance has been tough. People would always say your music is nice, you are very talented but you know how Nigerians are. When I go for interviews I tell them that it is soul music that got me where I am. So the hardest part of it is getting people to see soul as a genre of music and accepting it.
WM: Give us a brief about your collaboration with Ice Prince Zamani and MI Abaga …
Gyang: I met MI in 2003; I was introduced to him by Jessy Jazz. We formed a crew which included MI, Ice Prince, Elbulk,T hreadstone and myself. We started a little group, started recording and performing in churches, schools and bars, anywhere basically, where we had a stage to perform. The whole idea was that we would have our own label soon. Eventually MI got signed to Chocolate, so he was like we should wait and let him go get something for himself, and he would come back and get us. The next thing Jessy got signed up, later Ice Prince got signed too and then me. It has just been a relationship that has over a decade become an inspiration; Chocolate City has always been family to us. So it was just an easy natural move.
WM: Does soul music pay off, since pop is the trending music in Nigeria?
Gyang: It does pay; the people that like it are the very premium and elite crowd and those people value good music and can pay any amount for it.  If you look at it one of the top earners in the industry Asa, is into soul music and she probably earns more than many Nigerian artistes, so when you go to the right kind of people that appreciate it, you get paid well.
WM: Where do you get your inspiration from?
Gyang: From different things, from music I have listened to, my experience, other peoples experiences. Life generally inspires me.
WM: Are you in any way related to Jeremiah Gyang?
Gyang: Not by blood. Jeremiah is my very good friend and I have known him for many years, we just share the same last name.
WM: If you weren’t into music, what would you have been doing?
Gyang: I would probably be a motivational speaker or a relationship coach but honestly I cannot see myself doing anything other than music because that is my true passion. I feel like I have been born to be a musician, born to sing. There were times I took a break off music and it drew me back, so I think it is my destiny.
WM: Who are your role models in the industry?
Gyang: One of my strongest would be Asa, simply because we do similar music genres and how she has been able to succeed against all the odds. The truth is that I have been able to do what I did because Asa did it; she paved the way for us. MI Abaga, is also a strong role model who has been so supportive, we started together in Jos when we all had nothing, now seeing him and how successful he has become and still being the same guy that I have always known him to be for over 10 years. Another person would be 2face, this is because of his accomplishments, he is actually one of the biggest modern days out of African music exports.
WM: What should your fans expect from you soon?
Gyang: I have a project coming out called ‘This is Love.’ The song talks about the different sides of love, from heartbreak, crushing on someone, finding love and a good man; I also have upcoming songs with Ajebota 22, Naeto-c and Onyeka Onwenu. I am excited about the project. Chocolate City actually released an album titled ‘The Indestructible,’ it features the entire artistes in Chocolate City, I have two songs there. One is titled ‘No More,’ featuring Jessy Jagz and the other is ‘Loose Me.’