Ruth Matete is widely recognized for her remarkable performance in the fifth season of the Tusker Project Fame singing competition, which she clinched effortlessly in 2012.
Participating in a secular singing competition while actively engaging in church activities ignited a debate, but Ruth handled the pressure with resilience.
Notably, Ruth Matete is the daughter of the renowned actor, Abel Amunga, for those who may not be familiar with her lineage. Abel is celebrated for his portrayal of Luke McKenzie in the popular ‘Selina’ soap opera on Maisha Magic East.
Ruth’s journey had a unique beginning as Abel fathered her out of wedlock. However, her mother later married someone else in Kakamega, which led to Ruth experiencing a difficult upbringing. Her stepfather treated her harshly during her formative years, and her step-grandmother’s treatment was even more cruel. Consequently, at the tender age of six, Ruth was moved to Nairobi to live with her biological father.
A distressing incident occurred when she tried to take her own life while her late husband was still alive. She consumed 45 tablets and lay in bed. Fortunately, her late husband discovered her in time and rushed her to the hospital. Following this traumatic episode, Ruth sought professional help from a psychiatrist, who recommended a month-long stay at a treatment center.
The encouraging news is that Ruth Matete overcame these challenges and is now joyfully raising her child, despite the heartbreaking loss of her husband in a tragic manner.
Ruth’s struggles extended beyond her childhood as her stepmother’s mistreatment left her feeling perpetually rejected. The tragic passing of her mother, shortly after her relocation to Nairobi, added to her burden. Her feelings of missing her mother only truly surfaced in adulthood.
These early-life hardships deeply affected the talented singer-songwriter, as she candidly shared with Carol Mandi of True Love Magazine. These experiences also left a mark on her relationships with men, with Ruth frequently attributing her relationship difficulties to the rejection she faced during her childhood.
