Born in Ghana, Ruby Amanfu moved to Nashville at age 3 and has since immersed herself in its rich musical culture. She has studied at Berklee College of Music and Belmont University, released 11 studio albums, collaborated with the likes of Jack White, Alicia Keys, and Brandi Carlile, earned Grammy nominations, and so much more. Beyond her musical career, Ruby is also an activist AND a private chef. (Phew!) Get to know this multi-talented FACE of the South!
Tell us about moving to Nashville from Ghana. How has your background influenced your identity as an artist?
The shock of moving to another country as a toddler was so intense that some memories were erased — every memory from birth to almost 3 years old. Gratefully, my extended family has reminded me of who I was back then. For instance, apparently, I was a tearful mess at the airport in Accra, clinging to my Auntie Lily and saying I wasn’t going to America without her.
My saving grace and what kept my roots intact was my parents. They made sure our Ghanaian culture was a part of everyday life growing up — whether by intermingling cuisine on the dinner table (mac and cheese one night, goat soup the next!) or by the tight-knit community of other Ghanaians in Nashville whom we gathered with every weekend.
I still intermingle cultures to this day as an artist/songwriter. The Ghanaian and American sides of myself show up in my songs’ rhythms and melodies. I also often hear a song’s downbeats in a completely different place than other people do — which can be both problematic or fun, given the session!
Many of your collaborations have been widely celebrated. Any standout favorites?
Working with Norah Jones is my favorite collaboration to date. Norah became a friend some years back, then she generously had me open for her on a few of her tour dates. A while later, she asked me to sing on her gorgeous album, Pick Me Up Off The Floor.
Norah is as lovely, nurturing, and patient as she seems. She’s a great cook, too, and we bonded over food. I ate dal for the first time in her kitchen — a homemade staple she often has ready to eat. Norah’s incredible dal recipe has now been passed down to many of my friends and family members.
Can you tell us about your writing process? What inspires you?
The way I write comes from a deep desire for people to feel belonging. It’s something I didn’t always have as a kid, so it’s something I’ve always wanted to try and help others feel. Feeling seen and being known is about humans being able to see the light within each other — and if that light is hidden, then I want to help reveal it.
The first truly vulnerable song I ever wrote was after a life-altering breakup. The song is called “More.” It took me months to find the courage to perform it live because it exposed my wounds. I finally found the courage to share it one night at 3rd & Lindsley, and once the song ended, I immediately ran outside and wept in the bushes.
When I pulled it together and came back inside, other women had been crying, too. They told me my song told their stories as well. We found strength in each other that night, and it taught me that there’s strength, literally and internally, in numbers. We are better together.
When you’re not making music, what are your favorite ways to recharge and reconnect?
I LOVE to cook! When I’m stressed. When I’m happy. When I need to practice mindfulness. I often connect with food more than humans because food doesn’t talk back. Unless it’s super spicy!
You’ve spent much of your life and career in Nashville. What’s your favorite hidden gem in the city?
I’m not sure this is a hidden gem per se, but I really love K&S International Market on Charlotte Pike. I grew up going to Nashville’s international markets because those were the only places with the ingredients to make the foods of my birth country.
When you’re at an international market, you’re transported to so many other cultures. Every shelf takes you on a journey, both sensorially and emotionally. Secret Tip: If you want the best pots, pans, and utensils for your kitchen, shop at an international market!
What’s something most people would be surprised to learn about you?
I wanted to be an opera singer for years in my youth. I studied and practiced opera arias, learned to sing in German, and dreamt of embodying that life. Then, a music teacher in middle school called me out during a choir rehearsal and told me my voice was too fuzzy. It wounded my self-esteem and I stopped believing in my dream to be an opera singer.
I did join the Nashville Symphony Chorus when I was 15 (its youngest member at the time), but I was only brave enough to utilize my classical voice in a group setting. Those fears have faded as an adult, and I’ve been able to use my operatic voice from time to time — whether on Beyonce’s song “Don’t Hurt Yourself” from her album Lemonade or on multiple songs on Jack White’s first two solo albums. I would like to make an opera album someday.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
To look at challenges in life not as though you’re drowning but as though you’re doing a deep dive. Instead of feeling pulled down by the weight of it all, imagine yourself being allowed the opportunity to dive deeper and deeper … because the deeper you go, that’s where all the treasure is found.
Outside of faith, family, and friends, name three things you can’t live without.
Moisturizer! I can’t stand feeling dry or chapped in any form or fashion! Flat Water — clear, filtered, and room temp. No ice. No bubbles. Pure. And lastly, a supportive bra. I don’t like underwire, but I do like the girls kept in place.
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