If you’ve spent any time on social media or tuned into a late-night radio set in Lagos over the last few years, you’ve felt the presence of Ruth B. Her ethereal, piano-led ballad “Dandelions” didn’t just find a second life on TikTok; it found a permanent home in the hearts of millions of Nigerians, making Lagos one of her top streaming cities worldwide. From the nostalgic yearning of “Lost Boy” to the raw honesty of “Superficial Love,” the Canadian-Ethiopian singer-songwriter has a rare gift for giving a voice to the feelings we often struggle to name.
But Ruth’s connection to the continent isn’t just about streaming numbers. Proudly rooted in her Ethiopian heritage, she carries the rich, melodic storytelling DNA of her ancestors into every lyric she writes. It is this authentic African soul, blended with a global pop sensibility, that makes her music feel like a warm embrace from a sister.
Now, Ruth is entering her most ambitious chapter yet. With her highly anticipated album, Peace To Make, set for release on August 21st, 2026, she is ready to show the world the depth of her growth. And for her Nigerian fans, there is an extra reason to celebrate: Ruth recently teased a mystery collaboration with a Nigerian artist—a track she describes as “melodic, rich, and lyric-ful.”
In this exclusive sit-down, we talk to Ruth about her “bad combinations”, the secret to her creative endurance, and her burning desire to finally touch down for a performance in the city that loves her back: Lagos.
Hi Ruth B! It’s Such A Pleasure To Have You Here!
I Was Just Telling My Team That Lagos Is One Of Your Top Streaming Cities And That Did Not Surprise Them, Because We Hear “Dandelions,” “Lost Boy,” And “Superficial Love” Everywhere Here. How Does It Feel To See That Kind Of Organic Love Coming From This Side Of The World?
Oh my gosh, it means so much to me. Lagos played a big part in the success of “Dandelions” and a lot of my music. It’s amazing that something I wrote on this side of the world could travel over there and have such an impact. I’m really waiting for the day when I can finally play a show in Lagos, Nigeria.
It’s Well-Documented That Your Ethiopian Heritage Is A Core Part Of Your Identity. How Does That Background Influence The Soul And The Storyteller DNA Of Your Music, Especially Now As You Connect More Deeply With Audiences Across The African Continent?
Growing up, I listened to a lot of Ethiopian music. My parents were always playing it around the house and I think, subconsciously, that definitely wove its way into my music. I think Ethiopian music is so rich melodically, deep, and has many elements of storytelling. In those ways, my Ethiopian heritage definitely impacted the way that I write and make music, for sure.
So, Who Is Ruth B When She’s Not Writing, Recording, Or Performing Music? What Are Some Of The Things That Keep You Grounded Outside Of Your Music Career?
I would definitely say I’m a very big family person. I love to spend time with my family back home in Canada and my friends. I’m a massive reader, and I like to go to the movie theater and watch movies. In fact, I just watched Obsession in theaters and it was really, really good. I would recommend it—it’s a little bit of a scary movie, but I absolutely loved it.
I Will Definitely Put That On My To-Watch List.
Yes, please do.
I’ve Been Listening To Your Latest Single, “Bad Combination,” Over And Over Again. I Would Like To Know, What Inspired This Song?
I wrote that song coming out of a relationship. The song represents how you feel when you’re single for the first time. I like to really be honest about my feelings, and that song is just one of those songs where it’s like, “This is exactly where I’m at in my life right now, just trying to figure it out.”
Okay. So What Would You Say Is Your “Bad Combination”? Two Things That Shouldn’t Go Together But Actually Do Go Well Together?
Ooh, that’s a good question. Hmm… well, I feel like a lot of my friends and family say that I really have some weird food combinations that I like. I dip pickles in mustard. I think that’s my good (bad) combination.
Your Music Often Gives People A Language For Feelings They Struggle To Express Themselves. At This Stage Of Your Life, Especially In Your Career, Are There Any Feelings That You Are Currently Trying To Understand In Your Own Life?
I think everybody is constantly going through issues and trying to figure stuff out, for sure. A little while ago, I was trying to figure out my sense of self and sense of purpose. But, right now I’m in a pretty good place—I feel very good with where I’m at.
Building On What You Said Earlier About Lagos And Your Sleeper Hit Dandelions, The Song Experienced A Huge Second Life Online After Its Release. What Was It Like Watching This Track Find An Entirely New Audience After A While?
Itwas a really cool feeling. Because, like you said, that song blew up years after I had put it out. I think that’s kind of the power of the internet. You never know what’s going to happen, and I just feel so grateful that my music was able to reach so many people.
You Recently Released “Didn’t I” and “Bad Combinations”, Now, A Little Birdie Tells Us That You Have An Upcoming Release With A Nigerian Artist. Without Giving Away Too Much, Can You Use Three Words To Tell Us More About This Collaboration?
I would say it’s melodic, it’s rich, and it is lyric-ful. Those are my three words.
Should We Expect An Afrobeats Kind Of Vibe?
Maybe… I can’t confirm or deny.
Haha. We Are Anticipating It
Of course, thank you.
We Are All Counting Down The Days Until August 21st! With The Release Of Peace To Make, Your Third Studio Album, Just Around The Corner, What Part Of This Album Are You Most Excited For Your Listeners To Experience For The First Time?
I’ve been working on this album for three years and it comes out in August. I’m so excited for people to hear it. I think it’s a really good level of growth from my previous music, but it’s still the same Ruth that everyone knows and loves—which is lyric-driven, story-driven, and emotional. I’m just so excited for people to finally hear it.
And We’re So Excited To Hear It. We’re Looking Forward To August 21st.
Thank you.
Please Share With Us Five Tips For Young Women Trying To Find Their Feet In The Music Industry
I would say the biggest thing for me personally is that you really need to believe in yourself. Being a young woman can be hard; sometimes you’re in spaces and rooms that tell you that you need other people, or you need this and you need that. But women are so creative, brilliant, and bright—we can do our own thing. That’s something I try to preach a lot because I write my music, I do a lot of production, I play my instruments, and I stay committed.
Secondly, patience is huge. Give yourself time to wait—you have time.
I would also say, be creative. Don’t be scared to try something different and try something new.
Build a good team around yourself. Find people that you trust. Be careful who you let into your circle and just make sure that they have your best interests.
And lastly: don’t be scared to be great. Don’t be scared to do something that no one in your family has done, or something that maybe isn’t common. If you have that faith in yourself, then you should just go for it.
As An Artist, Where Do You Draw Inspiration From?
Everyday life. It could be something as small as an interaction I have with a stranger, or as big as falling in love or getting your heart broken. I always say that you never know when you’re going to run into a song, and it could really just happen at the turn of any corner. I think life is full of inspiration.
What About Your Musical Influences? Do You Have Favorite Artists Or Songwriters?
Absolutely. I would say my favorite artist of all time is probably Lauryn Hill. I just really, really respect her writing and her music. I love Stevie Wonder, I love The Beatles, and Lana Del Rey. I think all my favorite artists are just really, really good storytellers.
Before We Wrap Up Our Conversation, Is There Anything You’d Want To Tell Your Nigerian Audience?
I would like to say, thank you so much for the support. It has not gone unnoticed. I’m on TikTok and I see all the videos that come out of Nigeria. I absolutely love it. I’m looking forward to the day when I can come to Nigeria and do a performance and actually meet people and thank them face-to-face. I’m just so grateful for you guys.
So, We Should Be Expecting A Nigerian Concert Or A Meet-And-Greet Soon?
Yes! Definitely, absolutely. I am hoping sooner rather than later.
