Ruguru Tanya is a Nairobi-based singer, songwriter and performing artiste. She recently dropped her eponymous six-track EP.
The ‘For Sheezy’ hitmaker, signed under Taurus Musik, talked to People Daily about her style and more.
What’s the last fashion item you purchased and why?
Earrings! Find me every month shopping for a whole bag of fancy earrings. Why you ask? Because I am obsessed and they’re super affordable.
Where do you enjoy doing your shopping?
Mostly Instagram stores and flea markets, and maybe random physical clothing scores here and there. I do this because it’s easy to find unique items of clothing that barely any random person will have!
When shopping, what comes first for you between price, quality and functionality?
Functionality comes first all the time because the price may be perfect, but is it really worth it? Also, how many times will I really be able to wear it? Am I just buying some fast fashion article for it to be useless in a few months? These are some of the questions that I ask myself before making a purchase. I just don’t buy for the sake of it.
Which celebrity’s wardrobe would you like to raid and why?
The deejaying duo DCC most definitely! I’m a sucker for a good two-piece and they have them in excess.
Tell us about your first tattoo and plans for more ink on your body.
My first tattoo came so quickly; l saw the design and a few days later, l was inked. l decided to get a Chinese Jade dragon as my first tattoo because according to the Chinese zodiac, I was born in the year of the dragon. lt also represents power and good luck and is a symbol for water (I’m a Cancer, which is one of the water signs). So, it meant a whole lot to me. My other tattoos don’t really have a meaning; I just thought they’d make cool tattoos and I’ll keep that mentality, so best believe I will have a lot more tattoos in the years to come. I’ll be a proper tatted babe.
What are your thoughts on cosmetic surgery?
l have nothing against it at all. Everybody has the right to do whatever they want with their body as long as it makes them happy. It is a gamble though, since doing work to your body based on trends that appear in the media means with time, they will pass and new trends will emerge. Therefore, it may be difficult and painful to keep up with them.
What is Ruguru’s pre-performance ritual?
Breathing exercises have been my saving grace. I try to create an environment around myself that is free of panic and uncertainty. Sometimes I’ll even isolate myself for a bit to get the grounding I need to start and give the performance my all.
What kind of girlfriend are you?
Caring, jealous, a bit crazy, and super-loving.
What’s your most favourite body part and why?
I like my eyes because once in a while when I notice chem, I realise how beautiful they are.
Can you list some of your favourite local artistes?
Blinky Bill, Wahu, Nikita Kering, Kanzu, Bridget Blue, Kinoti, Njeri, Caleb Awiri, Theonlyrosa and WendyCy. They deserve everything they have because they are so talented and driven; it’s something to look up to.
If you could have one talent, what would it be and why?
I would want to be able to design and create whole lines of outfits from the beginning sketches all the way up to the finished products.
What will we see you doing more of and less of as the year comes to a close?
You’ll see me working more, and being way more intentional about the content I put out into the world. Another thing I’m actively trying to work hard to do less of is making my wins seem like they’re so small. I want to celebrate each and every one of them regardless of how small or big they are.
Any plans we can look forward to?
I’m working on a few more projects that hopefully will be out in the coming months, collaborating with amazing artistes, and also trying to spread as much goodness and peace to the people that take the time to listen to me and my music.
