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,” he said.
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 says the experience helped him grow, pushing him out of his shell and teaching him resilience in a different kind of public space.
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