LATEST UPDATE: Project Fame:Tuface boosted my confidence –Ruky Olotu
A powerful voice and energetic performances earned 24-years-old Ruky Olotu the first runner-up position in this year’s edition of Project Fame. Now she is in the league of music stars like Chidinma and Iyanya, both products of the reality TV show. In this interview with The Entertainer, the shy but articulate singer, who holds a degree in Business Information Systems, speaks on her time on the show, growing up, love life and her plans for the future. Enjoy.
How did you discover your talent for singing?
I started singing when I was little. As kids, my younger sister and I would sing and write songs. Once, we even sang a special song for our pastor on his birthday. Recently, a friend reminded me of a song I taught her when we were kids. I also sang in secondary school.
Did you always want to be an artiste?
Not really. But I grew up listening to a lot of Christian music. My father was the choir leader in our church. He used to buy us CDs of artistes like Mary Mary. It was with my listening to Mary Mary that I began to think that I wanted to be a musician and make their kind of music.
How did your parents react when you started nurturing the idea of being a musician?
They always insisted that I get a degree first. My dad once gave me money for studio sessions. I recorded a song in 2010. So, they didn’t mind my being an artiste. But I had to get a degree first.
What was it like schooling in Malaysia?
It was a mixed experience. First, I had to get used to the new environment and new cultures. But with time I enjoyed their food. I got along with majority of the people I met. Though, it’s not every Malaysian that’s accommodating to Africans.
You have a degree in Business Information System and now building a career in music, are you kissing the degree goodbye?
I love working on computers. I didn’t want to do too much of Mathematics so, I opted for my degree in the way you put it. I already started work in the IT department of a construction firm before going for Project Fame. I do hope to run an IT firm alongside music in the future. course. And I don’t think I am dumping
How did you get into Project Fame?
Like I mentioned, I recorded a song in 2010. My producer, Gospel On Da Beat, told me about Project Fame. He was one of the judges for the Abuja auditions, so he encouraged me to audition for the show this year. He just wanted me to try because he believed in my talent.
There is always a large turn out at Project Fame auditions. How did you make it through?
At the audition, I remember there was a large crowd and I was scared the way judges sent out people quickly. Before I got in, I had to wait on a long line with my fingers crossed. I cannot even tell how it finally got to my turn. Actually, only a few contestants were chosen from Abuja. So, when I received the call informing me that I made it into Project Fame, I was very happy. I wanted to shout but I couldn’t do so in the office, so I called to tell my friends and those who encouraged me to go for the audition. I was really happy that they picked my cousin and I.
How would you describe your experience in the Project Fame house?
When I got there, I met people who could really sing. I had to psyche myself all through the cutting down process. I didn’t even know that I would make it into the last 16. But when I made it into the group, it was surreal. I had to adapt to the hard work. We were taken out of our comfort zone. But I loved the experience.
How tense does it get when waiting for the judges verdict after each performance?
It does get tense. But I had to develop confidence in myself. I relied on my voice and I didn’t want to come back home early. Project Fame was the kind of opportunity I had prayed to God for. So, I had to keep pushing and doing the right thing. Like I said, my cousin was in the house too and we had to be supportive of each other. But I am happy I went through the competition.
What was your toughest moment in the show?
I had to face my fears. I had to believe in myself and work harder to get better as the competition progressed. Sometimes when I had moments of self-doubt, I would quickly remind myself that I came into the competition to discover my talent and to ascertain where my destiny lies. In order to make it far, I decided to be real with the fans and sing from my heart.
What was your finest moment?
It was when I sang Tuface’s song, See Me So, and when my dad visited me. Tuface commended me and was obviously impressed by my version of his song. When I got such praise from an icon like Tuface, my confidence doubled, and I knew that I had enough reason to be in the competition. You won’t believe that I didn’t find it easy rehearsing for that performance. But it turned out to great.
You performed tracks from Tuface Idibia, Christy Essien- Igbokwe and Tiwa Savage. Which was your favourite performance?
It was my rendition of Chandelier by Sia. This is because I felt that song would show the strength of my voice. I have always loved this song and I imagined myself singing it on stage. When I was given the song to perform, I knew I had to get into the character of the song.
Many who watched you perform Tiwa Savage’s Wanted were impressed by your energy. Some described you as a fearless performer. Do you accept this description?
Yes, I want to believe that I am a fearless performer. I am that kind of person that would spend hours in my room singing different songs and sweating it out. Naturally, I am an energetic person. So, yes, when I am on stage, I just want to perform and I shed all fear. For my performance of Wanted, I decided to use my energetic side on stage.
Staying relevant is the challenge of most contestants of talent shows. What are your plans for building a solid musical career?
I am still working on my plans. But what I can tell you is that I am determined to make my career work. I am prepared to work hard, and with God on my side, I won’t slip into irrelevance.
Were you disappointed that you ended up in second place?
Not at all. I am proud of my achievement and I am grateful for how far I went in the competition. I believe that this season’s winner deserved it.
Are there artistes you look up to?
I love Ciara because of her dance moves. I also like Mary Mary; they got me thinking of having a career in music. I also admire Asa, TY Bello and Eva, though she is a rapper.
Has being in Project Fame changed your life?
It has changed my life a bit, people now recognise me easily. And with what I achieved in the show, I am ready to focus fully on music.
So, you are not going back to your 9-5 job?
No (laughs).
How have the guys been treating you after Project Fame? Are you in a relationship?
Things have remained the same with the guys. I wasn’t seeing anyone before I went for Project Fame, and it is basically the same now. I hope to meet my Mr. Right soon.
What is your idea of love? Are you romantic?
Oh, I love love be it the romantic or agape kind. I am romantic in every word of it. I always feel I have plenty love to give. I love people, I love animals, and I love nature.
How soon do you want to marry and do you think you will be able to combine marriage with music?
I would love to marry soon. I don’t know if I would be able to combine a career in music with marriage. Many people have said it is difficult. But I guess I have to wait till I get to that bridge, and God will help me with making the right decision.
What does your ideal man look like?
I love a mature guy. My ideal man must love God. He must be wise and doesn’t have to talk too much, but each time he talks, he must have something intelligent to say. My ideal man must be able to take care of me and love me.
Don’t you care about things like a six-pack abs?
Oh no! He doesn’t have to have a six-pack abs. But he must have good eyes and nice teeth. I love a man with great smile.
Have you ever been broken hearted?
Yes, twice.
So, what is the remedy for a broken heart?
Am I the right person to give the remedy? I don’t think so. Maybe, a broken hearted girl can hang out with good friends and gradually get over the bad situation.
Aside music, what else makes you happy?
I love adventures. I love hanging out with friends, especially those who I can have good conversations with. I love watching films too.
What puts you off?
I don’t like arrogance in any form. I don’t like people who get angry easily.
Thanks for Reading The LATEST UPDATE: Project Fame:Tuface boosted my confidence –Ruky Olotu
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A powerful voice and energetic performances earned 24-years-old Ruky Olotu the first runner-up position in this year’s edition of Project Fame. Now she is in the league of music stars like Chidinma and Iyanya, both products of the reality TV show. In this interview with The Entertainer, the shy but articulate singer, who holds a degree in Business Information Systems, speaks on her time on the show, growing up, love life and her plans for the future. Enjoy.
How did you discover your talent for singing?
I started singing when I was little. As kids, my younger sister and I would sing and write songs. Once, we even sang a special song for our pastor on his birthday. Recently, a friend reminded me of a song I taught her when we were kids. I also sang in secondary school.
Did you always want to be an artiste?
Not really. But I grew up listening to a lot of Christian music. My father was the choir leader in our church. He used to buy us CDs of artistes like Mary Mary. It was with my listening to Mary Mary that I began to think that I wanted to be a musician and make their kind of music.
How did your parents react when you started nurturing the idea of being a musician?
They always insisted that I get a degree first. My dad once gave me money for studio sessions. I recorded a song in 2010. So, they didn’t mind my being an artiste. But I had to get a degree first.
What was it like schooling in Malaysia?
It was a mixed experience. First, I had to get used to the new environment and new cultures. But with time I enjoyed their food. I got along with majority of the people I met. Though, it’s not every Malaysian that’s accommodating to Africans.
You have a degree in Business Information System and now building a career in music, are you kissing the degree goodbye?
I love working on computers. I didn’t want to do too much of Mathematics so, I opted for my degree in the way you put it. I already started work in the IT department of a construction firm before going for Project Fame. I do hope to run an IT firm alongside music in the future. course. And I don’t think I am dumping
How did you get into Project Fame?
Like I mentioned, I recorded a song in 2010. My producer, Gospel On Da Beat, told me about Project Fame. He was one of the judges for the Abuja auditions, so he encouraged me to audition for the show this year. He just wanted me to try because he believed in my talent.
There is always a large turn out at Project Fame auditions. How did you make it through?
At the audition, I remember there was a large crowd and I was scared the way judges sent out people quickly. Before I got in, I had to wait on a long line with my fingers crossed. I cannot even tell how it finally got to my turn. Actually, only a few contestants were chosen from Abuja. So, when I received the call informing me that I made it into Project Fame, I was very happy. I wanted to shout but I couldn’t do so in the office, so I called to tell my friends and those who encouraged me to go for the audition. I was really happy that they picked my cousin and I.
How would you describe your experience in the Project Fame house?
When I got there, I met people who could really sing. I had to psyche myself all through the cutting down process. I didn’t even know that I would make it into the last 16. But when I made it into the group, it was surreal. I had to adapt to the hard work. We were taken out of our comfort zone. But I loved the experience.
How tense does it get when waiting for the judges verdict after each performance?
It does get tense. But I had to develop confidence in myself. I relied on my voice and I didn’t want to come back home early. Project Fame was the kind of opportunity I had prayed to God for. So, I had to keep pushing and doing the right thing. Like I said, my cousin was in the house too and we had to be supportive of each other. But I am happy I went through the competition.
What was your toughest moment in the show?
I had to face my fears. I had to believe in myself and work harder to get better as the competition progressed. Sometimes when I had moments of self-doubt, I would quickly remind myself that I came into the competition to discover my talent and to ascertain where my destiny lies. In order to make it far, I decided to be real with the fans and sing from my heart.
What was your finest moment?
It was when I sang Tuface’s song, See Me So, and when my dad visited me. Tuface commended me and was obviously impressed by my version of his song. When I got such praise from an icon like Tuface, my confidence doubled, and I knew that I had enough reason to be in the competition. You won’t believe that I didn’t find it easy rehearsing for that performance. But it turned out to great.
You performed tracks from Tuface Idibia, Christy Essien- Igbokwe and Tiwa Savage. Which was your favourite performance?
It was my rendition of Chandelier by Sia. This is because I felt that song would show the strength of my voice. I have always loved this song and I imagined myself singing it on stage. When I was given the song to perform, I knew I had to get into the character of the song.
Many who watched you perform Tiwa Savage’s Wanted were impressed by your energy. Some described you as a fearless performer. Do you accept this description?
Yes, I want to believe that I am a fearless performer. I am that kind of person that would spend hours in my room singing different songs and sweating it out. Naturally, I am an energetic person. So, yes, when I am on stage, I just want to perform and I shed all fear. For my performance of Wanted, I decided to use my energetic side on stage.
Staying relevant is the challenge of most contestants of talent shows. What are your plans for building a solid musical career?
I am still working on my plans. But what I can tell you is that I am determined to make my career work. I am prepared to work hard, and with God on my side, I won’t slip into irrelevance.
Were you disappointed that you ended up in second place?
Not at all. I am proud of my achievement and I am grateful for how far I went in the competition. I believe that this season’s winner deserved it.
Are there artistes you look up to?
I love Ciara because of her dance moves. I also like Mary Mary; they got me thinking of having a career in music. I also admire Asa, TY Bello and Eva, though she is a rapper.
Has being in Project Fame changed your life?
It has changed my life a bit, people now recognise me easily. And with what I achieved in the show, I am ready to focus fully on music.
So, you are not going back to your 9-5 job?
No (laughs).
How have the guys been treating you after Project Fame? Are you in a relationship?
Things have remained the same with the guys. I wasn’t seeing anyone before I went for Project Fame, and it is basically the same now. I hope to meet my Mr. Right soon.
What is your idea of love? Are you romantic?
Oh, I love love be it the romantic or agape kind. I am romantic in every word of it. I always feel I have plenty love to give. I love people, I love animals, and I love nature.
How soon do you want to marry and do you think you will be able to combine marriage with music?
I would love to marry soon. I don’t know if I would be able to combine a career in music with marriage. Many people have said it is difficult. But I guess I have to wait till I get to that bridge, and God will help me with making the right decision.
What does your ideal man look like?
I love a mature guy. My ideal man must love God. He must be wise and doesn’t have to talk too much, but each time he talks, he must have something intelligent to say. My ideal man must be able to take care of me and love me.
Don’t you care about things like a six-pack abs?
Oh no! He doesn’t have to have a six-pack abs. But he must have good eyes and nice teeth. I love a man with great smile.
Have you ever been broken hearted?
Yes, twice.
So, what is the remedy for a broken heart?
Am I the right person to give the remedy? I don’t think so. Maybe, a broken hearted girl can hang out with good friends and gradually get over the bad situation.
Aside music, what else makes you happy?
I love adventures. I love hanging out with friends, especially those who I can have good conversations with. I love watching films too.
What puts you off?
I don’t like arrogance in any form. I don’t like people who get angry easily.
Thanks for Reading The LATEST UPDATE: Project Fame:Tuface boosted my confidence –Ruky Olotu
SHARE WITH FRIENDS
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