[Ruth Koleva](https://www.instagram.com/ruthkoleva/?hl=en) could very well be the next mega-star from Europe. Hailing from Bulgaria, the singer, songwriter, model, and activist is already a household name in her home country, and her foothold upon the world stage is not lagging far behind. With millions of views, streams, and downloads across all platforms, it seems that the entire world is taking rightful notice of her stunning voice as well as the sultry and intrepid lyricism she's made into a brand.
When a song like "Wassup" comes out, it's a reaffirmation of the style and mystique that you'd come to know Ruth for… but that's on the very surface level of appreciation that the listener can attain without further context. From a song like "All The Guys" to this new single, the line of continuity is clearly there, and it's easy to appreciate where the idiosyncrasies in both sound and theme come from when you have the benefit of being in the 3rd person. But for Koleva, the song carries a bit more weight career-wise. “We all like to reinvent ourselves,” says Ruth. "This song represents me opening to the world again” — echoing the ever-present subject of the pandemic and lockdowns that have scourged the plans and goals of many.
"Wassup" doesn't fly solo, on one end, the song was sired by Ruth in collaboration with fellow Bulgarian and acclaimed producer/songwriter Gueorgui Linev (better known as Kan Wakan), whose well-known "cinematic" flair comes shining through right away. It also plays a huge role in the success of the music video that accompanies the song.
The impeccable cinematography of the video makes it a point to use the language of color to support the lyrics. The cool blue hues of the pool hazily reflect the warm earthy glow that seems to be emanating from Ruth herself. Her seductive persona and voice virtually "heating" things up, giving her a firm role as the proactive and assertive seducer, with the entire music video giving off just a hint of the anti-slut-shaming themes behind the previously-mentioned "All The Guys" single from last year's November release.
Ruth is no stranger to Flaunt Magazine, and her return today only serves to prove that our eyes and ears are well served by keeping up with this powerhouse singer on her way to the top of the charts.
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Photographed by Mihail Novakov
Styled by Ivan Tsutsumanov
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