Ruth Berhe, better known as Ruth B, is a hit Canadian singer-songwriter who gained global fame for her beautiful lyrics and catchy melodies. Her true career breakthrough came with the release of the smash hit “Lost Boy.” It originally appeared as a short video on the social media app Vine and quickly went viral, blossoming into an international music phenomenon. Ruth B’s unique style blends emotional depth with the influence of her Ethiopian roots. This has made her one of the most recognizable and sought-after artists in today’s music industry. Read more about the singer’s biography, work, and success on edmontonski.com.
An Edmonton Childhood and the Influence of Ethiopian Roots
Ruth Berhe was born on July 2, 1995, to Ethiopian immigrant parents in Edmonton. Growing up in a multicultural household, she was exposed to both Ethiopian and Western music. Her parents’ love for music sparked her early interest in singing and songwriting. At age eight, she started playing the piano and frequently sang at family gatherings. Ruth’s strong character shaped her creative journey. As a child, she read a lot and watched TV shows, which eventually inspired her breakout hit, “Lost Boy.” While attending Ross Sheppard High School, Berhe picked up a part-time job at the clothing store Reitmans. After graduating in 2013, she spent some time studying at MacEwan University before fully dedicating herself to music.
From Vine to a Columbia Records Deal and Safe Haven
Berhe’s career had humble beginnings on the now-defunct social media platform Vine in 2013. She posted six-second covers of popular songs, quickly gaining traction thanks to her beautiful and powerful voice. In November 2014, she shared a clip with an original lyric inspired by the TV series Once Upon a Time. The snippet resonated with viewers, prompting her to develop it into the full-fledged song “Lost Boy.” Released on YouTube in January 2015, and later on iTunes, the track became an instant hit. Its soulful lyrics and stripped-back piano accompaniment earned widespread acclaim. The song’s massive success led Ruth to sign with Columbia Records in mid-2015. Later that year, she dropped her debut EP, The Intro, featuring four tracks that showcased her storytelling skills. In 2017, she released her debut studio album, Safe Haven, produced by Joel Little and Mike Elizondo. The record included hits like “Superficial Love” and “Dandelions,” solidifying her reputation as a rising star. By 2024, Safe Haven had racked up over 2.5 billion streams worldwide.
Berhe’s most iconic work remains “Lost Boy,” which achieved double-platinum status in several countries and surpassed 850 million Spotify streams as of 2025. Her album Safe Haven was highly praised by critics and earned Juno Award nominations, including Album of the Year. In 2022, “Dandelions” experienced a viral renaissance on TikTok, charting internationally in countries like India, Indonesia, and Germany. With over 1.4 billion streams on Spotify, it has become one of her biggest hits. Ruth has also collaborated heavily with Grammy-winning producers. Her accolades include a Juno Award for Breakthrough Artist of the Year (2017) and numerous nominations for her outstanding songwriting achievements.
Interesting Facts About Ruth B
- According to various media estimates, the singer’s net worth sits between $3 million and $5 million as of 2025. She earns her income through music royalties, streaming platforms like Spotify and YouTube, live performances, and brand partnerships. Reports suggest she owns real estate in Edmonton but prefers to live a modest lifestyle.
- Ruth is known for investing her money back into her creative pursuits rather than splurging on luxury goods.
- In an interview, the artist revealed that “Lost Boy”—the hit that skyrocketed her to fame—was written in just a few hours. She cites Lauryn Hill, Adele, and Ed Sheeran as some of her biggest musical inspirations.
- Despite her global fame, Berhe still lives in Edmonton to stay close to her family.
- As of 2023, her YouTube channel had amassed over 750 million views.
- Ruth is a strong advocate for mental health awareness and often uses songwriting as a form of therapy.
- The star actively participates in charity concerts and has donated the proceeds from specific song sales to charitable organizations.
Ruth B’s legacy is defined by her ability to connect with listeners through genuine emotion and storytelling. As one of Canada’s most successful young artists, Ruth continues to inspire up-and-coming musicians. Looking ahead, the singer plans to release new music that reflects her artistic growth while staying true to her introspective style. Fans are eagerly anticipating her upcoming collaborations with other renowned artists. Ruth B’s impact reaches far beyond music; she embodies resilience in the digital age, having turned short Vine snippets into a thriving career. Her story remains a testament to the power of authenticity in connecting with audiences around the world.