Nō Rātana Pā, nō te kauawhiawhi hoki o Te Hāhi Rātana a Ruia me tōna māhanga, a Ranea, ka mutu, nō te taitamarikitanga tonu tīmata ai te parahia o tā rāua ara puoro.

Nui atu ngā whakahihiringa waiata me ngā urutaunga auaha i tau ki a ia mā roto mai i te karapotihia ōna e te hāhi, te pēne kuratea o Wanganui, te tira waiata, ngā tini pēne o taua wā me te kapa haka.

Ko te reo Māori tōna reo ūkaipō, engari ka tere kite ia i te horokukū o ngā whaitua o rēhia me ngā reo irirangi auraki ki te whakatangi waiata i uru mai ai te reo Māori. Nā wai rā, ka whai wāhi atu rāua ki te kaupapa kukari e tohe nei i te “pakukoretanga” o ngā rongo me ngā whakaputanga Māori. 

Mā roto mai i te tuku i tōna reo kōmanawa me ana tū motuhenga, kehokeho ai te kitea o tō Ruia ngākaunui me ōna pūmanawa, ā, i rahirahi ai ngā taringa, i whererei ai ngā kanohi o te hunga whakarongo. Ko āna titonga e whakaatu ana i te whenumitanga o ngā kātū, ā, ko te moetanga tēnā o ētahi āhuatanga rekereke ki ētahi awenga kaha nō te tautito me te puoro arotini.

Hailing from Ratana Pā and nurtured within the Ratana Church, Ruia and his twin brother, Ranea, had their musical journey shaped from an early age. His immersion in the church, alongside participation in the Wanganui brass band, choir, various contemporary bands, and kapa haka, bestowed upon him a wide range of musical influences and creative adaptability.

Māori was his first language but he quickly became aware of resistance from venues and mainstream radio to play anything that included te reo. They were soon part of the fledgling movement challenging the “ghettoisation” of Māori content and coverage.

As a vocalist, Ruia's passion and talent shine through, captivating audiences with his soulful delivery and heartfelt performances. His compositions reflect a fusion of genres, blending elements of reggae with strong jazz and pop influences.