Ruby Amanfu: Ghana’s Grammy, BET, Soul Train nominated songwriter

Ghana-born, Nashville-based recording artist and Grammy, Soul Train nominated songwriter Ruby Amanfu is worth the spotlight for her musical achievements.

In 2020, Amanfu was nominated for the Grammy Award for Song of the Year for co-writing “Hard Place” by H.E.R. Amanfu has released seven studio albums and multiple singles.

She is well known for being one half of the duo Sam & Ruby, whose album was named Associated Press Album of the Year in 2009.

Amanfu is also known for her collaborations with Jack White in his all-female band, The Peacocks, and has widely appeared on his critically acclaimed solo albums, Blunderbuss and Lazaretto.

Outside of her musical career, Ruby is an actress, civil activist, an elected Recording Academy Board Governor, private chef, and food blogger.

She recently opened up about her thinking whilst working on ‘Hard Place’ with Grammy winner, H.E.R.

The song is off the latter’s ‘I Used To Know Her’ project. The record scored a ‘Song of the Year‘ nomination at the 2019 Grammy Awards.

“Being in a room with someone like Gabby (Gabriella Sarmiento Wilson aka H.E.R.), where your job is not to write your story, your job is to help her write her story, has helped inform and hone certain skills,” explained Amanfu in a new interview.

“Whether that’s increased ability vocally or in terms of empathy and being able to sit with somebody in what they’re sitting in. That helps me be real with myself. At its best songwriting is that, it is baring that and getting as close as you can to your true self.”

‘Hard Place’ also earned Amanfu the Ashford and Simpson Songwriter’s Award nomination at the 2019 Soul Train Music Awards nomination.

Amanfu previously contributed backing vocals on Beyonce’s ‘Don’t Hurt Yourself‘ track on the Grammy-nominated album, Lemonade.

A joint project with colleague, Sam Brooker gained a #1 Album of the Year nod by the Associated Press, and a Grammy recognition.

She has also collaborated with artistes including Brittany Howard of the Alabama Shakes, Brandi Carlile, Hozier, Norah Jones, and Patti LaBelle.

Amanfu is also an elected Grammy Board Governor.

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