Tanzanian singer Ruby: I love Victoria Kimani

By Tracy Gesare | 7yrs ago | 3 min read

Former Tanzanian beauty queen Ruby, the petite talented singer behind popular hit Na Yule is one of the fastest rising stars in the region and now, she talks to ‘Pulse’’s TRACY GESARE about her love for Victoria Kimani’s music and opens up about her rumoured affair with Dogo Aslay

She is talented, hot and ambitious. Ruby, this new music sensation from Tanzania thinks her star is about to shine. And why not? What do you make of an artiste who released her first single last year and then ascending to continental fame by representing her country in the continental TV music show, Coke Studio?

When she released the Na Yule video last year, very few knew the Tanzania House of Talent-signed singer. In fact, those who knew her only related with her thanks to her win in the 2014 Serengeti Fiesta Supa Nyota Diva, the moment she first got her showbiz breakthrough.

“I started singing in church when I was very young, but my professional music career started when I was joined a competition back home called Serengeti Fiesta Supa Nyota Diva and won in 2014. Well, at first when I ventured into secular music, I did not get much support because those that knew me then thought I was doing something sinful whereas music is business like any other. I am just using my God-given talent to get returns” she tells Pulse.

“My family did not give me much support back then but that has changed now that they have seen that music can pay. After all the hard work I have put into becoming the musician I am, they have understood the dream and goal I had for myself,” she discloses.

With only two years in the music industry, she has already done notable collaborations with key artistes in Tanzania such as Yamoto Band, AbduKiba, and Baraka da Prince. “Collaborating with other artistes is important because you get to attract new fans. Also, their fans become your fans during that time of collaboration. Once you share and exchange fans, you realise at the end of the day it takes both of you farther,” she explains.

“I would like to work with Victoria Kimani whose music and attitude during performance I like a lot. I first met her in 2014 after I was crowned winner of the Serengeti Fiesta. I have loved her since then. I would also like to work with Alpha Rwirangira, the winner of Tusker Project Fame from Rwanda. I do not know if he still does music though.”

The Na Yule hit maker is the surprise new artiste in the recently launched Coke Studio TV show where she is joining Kenya’s Nyashinski and Nigeria’s Yemi in a rare fusion.

“I am very grateful for the Coke Studio platform because I am going to use it to propel my music and career to a new height. I would like to believe that it is my time and whatever God has planned, no man can take that away. I appreciate this opportunity to collaborate with other artistes and reach more fans.”

“Being in Studio with two talented and successful artistes, Yemi Alade and Nyashinski, we make a great team. We have learnt and shared a lot from each other. The good thing is we love and appreciate each other’s music and even after the project we will certainly work together, for sure,” she adds.

Ruby has been said to be dating a younger guy, Dogo Aslay, a fellow celeb. However, she recently posted a comment on her social media saying it does not matter who you date, to clear the air, a comment that got tongues waggling. When Pulse asked if it is indeed true that she is dating an older man, she said her dating life is private.

In one year of her existence in the music industry of Tanzania, she is lucky to be a name to reckon as she has highlighted in performing at the Kili Music Awards, the launch of the presidential campaign and the Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF) 2015 just to name a few.

“As an artiste, I have learnt to be and stay humble in all things, to be curious and stay true to oneself and pray, all things open up in prayer,” she concludes.