Rapper and former University of Ghana SRC President, Guru, has revealed that he spent almost his entire first academic year on campus wearing a face mask and hoodie, not because of COVID-19 protocols, but out of sheer shyness and discomfort.
Reflecting on his return to the lecture hall after years of musical success, Guru admitted that transitioning back into student life hit him harder than expected.
Despite his fame, wealth and accomplishments, he said sitting in a classroom full of teenagers and Gen Z students made him extremely self-conscious.
Though he had the option of mature or online classes, he deliberately chose regular lectures because he wanted the authentic student experience, even if it meant blending in with much younger peers.
“When I first entered, I was always wearing masks and hoodies. I was too shy. I didn’t even want to pull up in my Challenger because people would think I was showing off, and I hate that.”
Guru
He explained that he avoided moving with security or drawing unnecessary attention to himself, choosing instead to walk into class with close friends, yet the uneasiness remained.
Guru recalled students whispering, recording videos of him, and sometimes gossiping behind him, creating an emotionally draining environment.
He said it took his transition from Level 200 to 300 before he finally gained the confidence to drop the mask and fully engage with campus life.
Over time, he adjusted, especially when he decided to contest for the SRC presidency, a move that forced him to face students openly and navigate the spotlight beyond the music stage.
Despite the initial discomfort, Guru said the experience helped him grow, pushing him out of his shell and teaching him resilience in a different kind of public space.
Guru Recounts Unsettling Experience After Announcing SRC Bid
Musician-turned-student leader, Guru, opened up about the unsettling experiences he faced after declaring his intention to contest the University of Ghana SRC presidential elections.
In an interview, Guru, who later served as SRC President, recalled that the political atmosphere surrounding the election was far more intense and spiritually charged than he had anticipated.
He said that the moment he publicly announced his ambition, his life “hasn’t been normal” ever since.
Guru explained that he initially thought student politics would be just a “normal student’s game,” only to discover that the competition was deeply entrenched in serious political manoeuvring.
He revealed that a close associate had even warned him early on, but he underestimated the forces at play.
Many outsiders tend to dismiss student elections as trivial, but Guru noted that the same political structures often produce some of the country’s key leaders.
“People think it’s just student politics, but look at Parliament; the President, the Speaker, many leaders all started from student governance. That’s where they learn the politics they use today.”
Guru
The musician said the weight of the experience was so intense that he has considered producing a documentary to reveal the realities behind student leadership contests, noting that the public barely understands what candidates go through.
Looking ahead, Guru said the ordeal has made him rethink his future in mainstream politics. Although he once dreamed of working with the United Nations, the experience has forced him to prioritize his personal well-being.
“For now, I just have to think about my life,” he admitted, stressing that he must reflect carefully before deciding whether to enter active politics after school.
Meanwhile, Guru, who studied political science and information studies, declared, “So, for me, after successfully leading the SRC of Legon, I can lead Ghana or any position in Ghana without struggle.”
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