Award-winning gospel minister Ruth Matete is celebrating a major milestone with gratitude and grace after turning 40.
Marking her birthday with a heartfelt message shared on her official Instagram account on Monday, February 16, 2026, the mother of one described this new chapter as one defined by healing, happiness and divine care.
As she steps onto the fourth floor, Matete appears focused on peace, purpose and blessings. Her prayer was that every blessing and miracle destined for her would locate her.
For the celebrated gospel singer, this milestone birthday is not just a celebration of years lived, but of battles overcome and hope restored.
“This is 40! Healed, happy and handled with Care. Happy birthday, Ruthie. In this new year, may every blessing and miracle that has your name on it find you,” Ruth wrote.
For Matete, turning 40 is not just about age but about growth and strength. Over the years, she has faced deeply personal challenges in the public eye. From personal loss to raising her daughter as a single mother, the singer has remained open about her journey of faith and resilience.
Her birthday message reflects a woman who has embraced healing and is walking confidently into a new season.
Ruth on her husband’s death
Her celebration comes weeks after she opened up about the cherished memories she holds of her late Nigerian husband, Beloved John Olakami Apewajoye.
In a heartfelt reflection posted on her official Instagram account on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, Matete shared how his love continues to inspire and comfort her even after his passing.
The singer also expressed gratitude for the time they shared before his untimely death.
”I carry these memories with gratitude. They don’t pull me back; they remind me of a love that was real. Remembering doesn’t mean I haven’t healed—it means I lived,” Matete wrote.
She added that these memories are a source of strength as she waits for love to find her again.
The mother of one also emphasised that memories are not painful reminders but proof of a deep connection.
“These are the memories I hold close as I patiently wait for love to find me again—if it ever does. And if it doesn’t, I will still be content knowing I was truly and deeply loved at one point in my life,” she added.
“Memories are not wounds—they’re proof of love.”
Reflecting on the tenderness of their relationship, she recalled moments of care and support beyond prayer.
“Meanwhile, he didn’t just lift me up in prayers, as you can see; he used to literally lift me up,” Matete stated.
The 2012 Tusker Project Fame winner was widowed just five months into her marriage.
