Caledonia musician enters Searchlight competition with song from the heart

By Sheila Phibbs

The Haldimand Press

CALEDONIA—Musician Michael Ruberu is seeking support as he competes in CBC Music’s Toyota Searchlight: he hunt for Canada’s next undiscovered talent.

Ruberu’s song ‘Lit’ is among 2,500 musical acts vying for votes in the annual competition. The first round of voting closes at 3 p.m. on May 20, 2021 with the top 100 entries moving on for the second stage of voting.

After moving to Caledonia three years ago, Ruberu, who is a teacher, and his wife focused on continuing a tutoring program they started while living in Oakville until they were forced to close due to COVID-19. Music has always been part of Ruberu’s career path; when he started writing songs he says, “My instruments were always voice and guitar. I resonate with soulful sounding music and that is where my voice actually works best.”