From Abia State to Lagos: A journey shaped by passion
Ruby Akubueze’s path from Abia State to Lagos reads like a modern Nigerian dream: a determined young actress who traded familiar surroundings for the bustling epicenter of the film industry. In a candid conversation with Faith Ajayi, Ruby reflects on the early days, the hustle, and the decision to chase opportunities in Lagos where stories, screens, and chances converge.
“Home gave me a grounding,” Ruby says, “but Lagos taught me to trust the process and show up, even when the odds seem stacked.” The move was more than geography; it was a commitment to a craft that requires resilience, timing, and a willingness to grow with every role.
Breakthrough moment: 3 Cold Dishes and the AMAA 2025 win
Ruby’s breakthrough came with the ensemble drama 3 Cold Dishes, a project that showcased her range and earned wow-worthy recognition. At the Africa Movie Academy Awards 2025, she took home the Best Young/Promising Actor award, a nod to her potential and the impact she has already made on audiences and peers alike.
“Awards are a reminder that people see the work you put into a character,” Ruby notes. “But the real reward is knowing that a story you helped tell resonated with someone who watched and felt something after the credits rolled.” The accolade has energized her, not as a finish line but as a milestone on a longer runway of performances to come.
Emotional connection: crafting scenes that linger
A key theme in Ruby’s approach is emotional truth. She emphasizes the importance of listening—to co-stars, directors, and, most crucially, to the characters she portrays. For Ruby, connection isn’t about showing off talent; it’s about letting moments breathe and inviting viewers into the character’s inner life.
“Emotion is the currency,” she says. “If the audience can feel a heartbeat on screen—the fear in a quiet moment, the tremor of hope—that bond is what makes a character memorable.” Her method blends preparation with a willingness to improvise when a scene yields a reveal that wasn’t in the script, as long as it serves the character’s truth.
Balancing life, craft, and well-being
Success doesn’t come without its pressures, and Ruby is mindful of the need for balance. She talks openly about the routines that keep her grounded: a disciplined schedule, family and friend support, and intentional downtime that replenishes energy for the next role. The lifestyle of a rising film star isn’t just glamor; it includes days of audition panels, training sessions, and the ongoing study of human behavior that informs her craft.
Looking ahead: roles, collaborations, and impact
With the AMAA 2025 recognition in her pocket, Ruby eyes projects that push boundaries and nurture genuine connections with audiences. She is open to collaborations across genres and languages, always seeking parts that challenge the intellect and tug at the heart. “The next chapter is about expanding the footprint of Nigerian storytelling, telling more diverse experiences with honesty and artistry,” she shares.
Closing thoughts: resilience, purpose, and gratitude
As Faith Ajayi wraps the interview, Ruby’s gratitude shines through—toward mentors, teammates, and the fans who light up cinema screenings. For her, awards reflect a community effort: writers crafting compelling journeys, directors guiding the emotional tone, and audiences inviting vulnerability to be seen and felt on screen.
