Dear Friends,

I hope you are having an incredible Summer so far (despite the worrying levels of heat in some parts of the world).

It has nearly been a month since the release of my debut solo album GINHAWA. If you haven't had the chance to listen yet, you can click here to stream the album online, click here to download the album, or click here buy the CD.

I would like to take this opportunity to send my gratitude and heartfelt thanks to  everyone who has supported the album so far by listening, purchasing or sending supportive messages. 

"Through infinite passion, emotion, and a vast use of instrumentation, there’s simply something for everyone to love here from start to finish."

"Ruhiya introduces herself to the international audience as a creative force, and skilled artist who is capable of delivering soothing, unique, and innovative sounds."

Thank you to Unsigned Music Blog and We Write About Music for their recent reviews of the album. Inside these reviews you gain a bit more insight into the thematic content of the album.

This album took around two years to complete (the majority during a global pandemic.) Working together with music producer and multi-instrumentalist Zayn Mohammed, who worked tirelessly on recording and mixing the album - we managed to bring to life this offering of nine songs.

During the process of creating the album, I was also studying an MA. in Music in Development at SOAS University. Whilst studying sacred music practices of Asia, I was inspired to delve in to pre-colonial Filipino music and history, which formed a leading thread of inspiration for this album. My final project for SOAS was a mini-podcast series called "MAMATI" which is slowly being released now. The podcast features contributors from the UK, USA and the Philippines, with diaspora, native and indigenous voices. Click here to listen. 

A few weeks ago I had the great pleasure of sharing a few songs for a Filipino cultural event in Kings Square, Gloucester. I also had the chance to share the song "I am that I am" at a beautiful retreat with over 100 people in the serene Swiss alps, to the sound of echoing thunder.

Thank you again for all your love and support. 

With love,

Ruhiya