Meet Rueth: South Africa’s Rising R&B Star Making Waves Internationally
Rueth, born Ruth Mafapane on January 27, 2002, is an independent South African R&B singer-songwriter on the rise. With a distinctive voice and undeniable talent, she’s already building a name for herself in the global music scene. Her journey began in 2021 with the release of her debut single Nobody, a soulful blend of R&B and TrapSoul, which set the stage for her career. Since then, Rueth has released two studio albums—I’m Rueth in 2021 and The Playlist in 2022—and her music continues to gain momentum, including the breakout success of her 2023 single Body Language, which has garnered airplay on radio stations in Atlanta, Washington, and South Africa.
Balancing her music career with academics, Rueth graduated from Mafolofolo High School and is currently studying Psychology at the University of South Africa. Her artistry draws inspiration from icons like Shekhinah, Tems, and Ayra Starr, shaping her unique fusion of R&B, Soul, and Pop.
Recently, Rueth signed a music distribution deal with German distributor Dig Dis and partnered with Maurah Creative Agency for her label, Tarue Records. With her new album CUPID in the works for 2025, Rueth is preparing to explore new sounds that blend Pop, R&B, and Soul.
In this interview, Rueth opens up about her journey, her creative process, and her vision for the future as she aims to inspire listeners and cement her place as a global icon.