Ruby Amanfu
Musician
“We have personal power and we can blow the doors off of the building with how much power we allow to come out of us. It’s there. You have to believe that it’s there.”
Videos
By Roadtrip NationRuby Amanfu
Milestones
My road in life has been direct.
I was born in Accra, Ghana, but moved to Nashville, Tennessee, with my family when I was about three years old.
I was an introverted child and would spend most of my time writing songs and listening to music.
I went to a magnet high school with a premiere fine arts program that gave me access to incredibly supportive teachers and an on-site studio where I could record my own songs.
My friends and mentors, Dave and Becky Matthews, saw potential in me and funded my whole first album, which I recorded in high school.
I moved to Boston to attend Berklee College of Music but transferred to a college back in Nashville after a year because my album had been released and was gaining traction back home.
I got my first publishing deal and record deal at 19, so I officially left school to give my full attention to my professional career.
I wrote a hit single, “Sugah,” which led to me being signed to a co-venture between popular record labels—the co-venture fell apart after the release of my second album and I came back home.
My friend Sam Brooker and I started writing and recording songs together—we really hit it off, decided to perform together as Sam & Ruby, and landed a record deal!
Keep following my journey
Education
High School
Career
Musician
I'm a singer and songwriter.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Music
Writing
Being Creative
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for middle school students
I'm a huge supporter of arts programs in school. Middle school and high school were where I started really expressing my talents in singing and songwriting. Having access to great arts programs and fully participating in those programs was the foundation for my career.
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Myself:
"Why should anyone care about my music? I'm not anybody."
Challenges I Overcame
Work Stress
