Ruth Matete Amogi, 26, is the winner of the Tusker Project Fame Five that ended two weeks ago. SHIRLEY GENGA takes us through her journey to fame

What was going through you mind when you were announced the winner of Tusker Project Fame (TPF) Five?

My heart was racing and I was completely shocked.

Why did you lie flat on stage when you were announced winner?

I was praying and thanking God. Everyone was screaming and there was so much going on and I wanted to thank God. I knew the only way I could do that was on the ground with my face on the floor.

Tell us a little about your childhood…

My parents separated after they had me. I first stayed with my mother in Kakemega and moved to Nairobi when I was eight years old. My mum became sickly and so she sent me to Nairobi to stay with my dad. Sadly, she later passed on. Since then, it has been my dad and I.

How was it adjusting to city life?

When I arrived in Nairobi, I could only speak Luhya because I had not been to school. It was challenging to learn and speak good Kiswahili and English, but my dad was supportive.

How did you deal with the loss of your mum?

I was too young to comprehend the depth of the loss. As I grew up, my father’s presence and love cushioned me from the pain.

Where did you go to school?

I went to Dr Krapf and Uhuru Primary School. Afterwards, I went to Maasai Girls and St Paul’s Erusui for high school. I joined Daystar University in 2005 to study Communication and I am graduating next year.?

When did you discover that you could sing?

My dad is the one who discovered my talent. He always loved music and even sings in a band. When I was nine years, he asked me to sing for him and he was pleasantly surprised. He has helped me nurture my voice.?

Why did you take so long to try out for the Tusker Project Fame?

I have always wanted to pursue a career in music but for some reason, I believed it was farfetched. So, even though I sang in church and at weddings, I never really thought of trying out the TPF competition.

I would watch the show and even criticise along with Judge Ian (laughs), but it was only after high school that I decided it was time to try out.

What were some of the challenges you faced while at the TPF house?

Waking up at 6am everyday to go to fitness class was the hardest part. I also found it challenging to do the secular hit songs because I did not know them. I love Christian music. I did not know latest sounds in secular music . I remember a particular instance when I was told to do Cold Play’s song and I had no idea. Everyone was surprised that I didn’t know the band.

What were the lessons you learnt while at the TPF house?

It helped me push boundaries and grow vocally. During one of the trainings, I was given Anytime you need a friend  by Mariah Carey and I broke down. The song had a complicated vocal range and the keys were very high, but in the end, it became one of my best performances.

I learnt about fitness, choreography and stage presence. I have always been an only child, so I had to learn to live with people, which wasn’t easy. I?had to learn how to share facilities like the bathroom?and bedroom. At the end of it all, it was a good learning experience.

What did you love about being at the TPF house?

I absolutely loved the dresses we wore for the performances. I also enjoyed meeting people from different backgrounds and countries.

Who was your biggest competition in the house?

Jackson! He has a wonderful voice with a wide range and he sings with a lot of passion.

What type of album can we expect from you?

I want to do a gospel album, but because of my experience in TPF, I would like to experiment with other music genres like jazz, neo-soul and rock. I also hope to do something with an African beat.

Why a gospel album?

I have been raised in church and although I strayed a little in high school, I got back on track and rededicated my life to God. It is not easy to be a Christian, especially when one is young, but I am determined to stick with God. I know everything I have is from God and that is why I want to honour Him with my voice.

How has your life changed since winning Sh5 million and the record deal?

People recognise me everywhere I go and many doors are opening. I thought my dream of being an artiste was very far, but is now within my reach. I also have a bodyguard, but only?for a year (laughs).

What do you intend to do with the money?

I have always wanted to live in a nice house and to buy a car. Those are my priorities.

Are you dating?

Not currently.

What qualities do you find attractive in a man?

I love a man who smells good, is a good listener and appreciates music.

What are your plans?

For now I want to work hard on my album and hopefully have it ready by November. I would also love to try acting like my father who is an actor in Mali, a local TV programme.

You seem to be fond of dad…

I am definitely a daddy’s girl! It has always been just him and me and so, we are very close.

Any parting words?

Do not be afraid of what people say. You cannot please everyone and not everyone has your best interests at heart. Know what advice to take in and what to ignore.