If her silky vocal texture doesn’t capture your attention at first listen, then her deep, cathartic lyricism definitely would have you awed in the second-half.
Born Uduogie Omosigbo, the 22-year-old chanteuse professionally known as Rukmani is among the new school of RnB/Pop mavericks providing a breath of fresh air to the Nigerian music community. With her emotive, love-soaked and sonorous melodies, she soars with a discography that attracts acclaim from music lovers, across the country.
After breaking ground within the cultural hotspot of Port Harcourt city, the Afro-fusion princess returns to the fore with a new melodic, sunny-side-up RnB bop dubbed, Gateway Drug. The song, which preludes her forthcoming EP dubbed, Angel On The Run, is a noteworthy scorecard for Rukmani’s artistic evolution, and also a generous addition to the library of love-themed RnB classics from Nigeria.
“My inspiration is really an experience fueled by creativity and intimacy between two lovers. The song was recorded sometime in 2022. It actually started on a phone recording then I headed to take it to the studio,” she reminisces on her inspiration.
With a stealthy start, Rukmani seems to be another ear candy to watch out for, reminding one of similar artistic evolutions like Tems, Ria Sean, Teni, in terms of sonical novelty, artistic presence, among others.
Signed to Cokoon Records (sister company to Aristokrat Records), Rukmani is a singer-songwriter with a fusion-focused artistry, where she melds neo-soul elements with Afro RnB and Pop.
“Through my music, I aim to inspire others to turn their pain into something beautiful,” she tells Weekend Beats.
Gateway Drug is out across music streaming services.
