Guru opens up about returning to University of Ghana after music career

Rapper and former University of Ghana SRC President, Guru, has revealed that he spent nearly his entire first academic year on campus wearing a face mask and hoodie—not due to COVID-19, but because of shyness and discomfort.

Reflecting on his return to the lecture hall after years of musical success, Guru admitted that adjusting back to student life was more challenging than he anticipated.

Despite his fame, wealth, and achievements, he said being in a classroom with teenagers and Gen Z students made him extremely self-conscious.

Although he could have opted for mature or online classes, he deliberately chose regular lectures to experience authentic campus life, even if it meant blending in with much younger peers.

“When I first came back, I always wore masks and hoodies. I was too shy. I didn’t even want to drive up in my Challenger because I didn’t want people thinking I was showing off, and I hate that,” he explained. He avoided moving with security or attracting attention, preferring to walk into class with a few close friends, though the unease persisted.

Guru recalled students whispering, recording videos, and sometimes gossiping behind his back, creating a draining and emotionally challenging environment.

It wasn’t until he progressed from Level 200 to 300 that he finally gained the confidence to remove the mask and fully participate in campus life.

Over time, he adjusted, especially after deciding to contest for the SRC presidency—a step that required him to face students openly and handle a new kind of public attention 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 very different kind of spotlight.