A Rising Star in Nollywood: Ruby Akubueze’s Journey
Actress Ruby Akubueze recently made headlines by winning the Best Young/Promising Actor award at the Africa Movie Academy Awards 2025 for her role in 3 Cold Dishes. Her journey from Abia State to Lagos, and into the spotlight of the entertainment industry, is a testament to her dedication and passion. In an exclusive conversation, she shares insights into her career, personal growth, and the challenges that come with being a young talent in the Nigerian film industry.
The Decision to Pursue Acting
Ruby’s journey began in Abia State, where she was raised in a home that encouraged creative expression. From a young age, she was captivated by stories and characters, especially those like Maria from The Sound of Music. She always knew she wanted to leave home and pursue something bigger than herself. Her decision to move to Lagos in 2017 was sparked by an experience at the Creative Youth Boot Camp organized by the Street Project Foundation. Meeting like-minded individuals there ignited a fire within her, leading her to take the leap and start her acting career.
Realizing a Dream
Ruby has always believed in the power of storytelling. She recalls how, as a child, she dreamed of being on the big screen, singing and acting. Every step she took led her closer to this dream. She says, “I always knew that acting was something I was going to do while growing up. It has always been my dream to tell stories, to be heard, and to be a voice for the voiceless.”
The Impact of Winning an Award
Winning the Africa Movie Academy Award was a defining moment for Ruby. She describes it as an honor that reinforced the importance of hard work and consistency. This achievement opened new doors for her, bringing more opportunities and collaborations. However, she remains grounded, emphasizing that it hasn’t changed who she is as an actress. Instead, it motivates her to keep pushing boundaries and contributing positively to the industry.
Balancing Multiple Passions
Ruby balances her time across acting, modeling, and music with intention and care. She views each craft as complementary rather than competitive. “When I’m acting, I’m learning emotional expressions that feed into my music. When I’m modelling, I’m developing the presence and confidence that I carry into performing,” she explains. She sets clear priorities to ensure each area gets the attention it deserves.
Emotional Challenges in Acting
Ruby admits that it can be emotionally challenging to detach from the characters she plays, especially after intense or tragic scenes. She finds ways to decompress, such as through music, talking to loved ones, or stepping back into her own world. She believes that emotional connection is what makes her performances real and impactful.
A Role That Tested Her
Her role as young Esosa in 3 Cold Dishes was particularly challenging. It pushed her to explore uncharted emotional and mental territory. Ruby credits this role with revealing her resilience and ability to surrender to a story, even when it hurts.
Choosing Projects Wisely
For Ruby, the decision to accept a project starts with the story itself. She asks herself why the story matters and what kind of impact it can make. She is drawn to projects that have meaningful messages and resonate with audiences.
Social Media: A Double-Edged Sword
Ruby sees social media as both a tool and a stage, but also acknowledges its potential to be a double-edged sword. While it allows her to connect with fans and showcase her versatility, she emphasizes the importance of using it intentionally, focusing on expression rather than performance.
Handling Criticism
Ruby approaches criticism with an open mind, distinguishing between constructive feedback and noise. She believes that art is subjective, and not everyone will connect with her work. What matters most is staying true to her craft and the message behind it.
Advocacy and Passion
Ruby is passionate about anti-bullying and education for African youth. Her advocacy stems from personal experiences and observations. She uses her platform to raise awareness and encourage young people to believe in their voices.
Reflections on the Industry
While Ruby appreciates the progress in the Nigerian entertainment industry, she believes there is still room for improvement. She highlights the need for stronger structures to support the next generation of talents.
Future Aspirations
Ruby dreams of playing roles in action or fantasy films, genres she believes will challenge her creatively. As a singer, she explores themes of resilience, identity, and love in her music.
Global Collaborations
She welcomes the trend of Nollywood collaborating with global streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon. These partnerships, she believes, are helping to bring Nigerian stories to a worldwide audience.
Advice for Aspiring Actors
Ruby wishes someone had told her earlier that resilience and mindset matter as much as talent. She believes these qualities are essential for success in the industry.
Staying Inspired
On days when creativity is low, Ruby reminds herself of the countless stories waiting to be told. She finds inspiration in small rituals like reading, observing people, and revisiting past work.
Recharging and Reflecting
When the cameras are off, Ruby unwinds by sleeping or watching a movie. For her, rest is a way to recharge, reflect, and reset.
Message to Young Women
Ruby hopes young Nigerian women see that their dreams are achievable with dedication and authenticity. She encourages them to pursue their passions without compromising their values and to embrace setbacks as opportunities for growth.
