Meet Ria Githuku-Muraglia | Actor, Singer, Writer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ria Githuku-Muraglia and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ria, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Art is the way I breathe, it’s the only real way I’ve ever been able to express myself. I’ve been singing and acting since I was 6 years old, and have since done theater, film, recorded and produced original music, performed slam poetry, stand-up comedy, and improv, written a feature film and several shorts…and there’s a lot more to come! I know that it’s my calling to share my story through art and to inspire my audiences to do the same in their own way. This is more than a career for me, it’s my life’s mission. It’s who I am.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I consider myself an artist, through and through. Technically I am a singer, actress, and writer, but I see myself as a creative in all aspects. I have acted in films, commercials, and theater, sang on huge stages and in tiny bars, released an album, an EP, and multiple singles, and occasionally perform stand up comedy and slam poetry. What sets me apart as an artist is my versatility and my willingness to take risks and accept challenges. I am always excited to explore new avenues of art and of myself.

My greatest challenge has been imposter syndrome and self-doubt. It has been a battle for me at times to give myself permission to “SHINE” — be a free artist, be fully myself, and fully show up despite the opinions of others. Believing that I’m great at what I do can be hard for me to hold on to as there are times when I feel like a fraud and that I may be delusional. This is a common struggle with creatives though- we all battle Resistance on some level, and the antidote for that in my opinion is to keep. consistently. working. Literally showing up every single day and creating SOMETHING or being creative in SOME way has saved me from this internal battle with resistance. Resistance cannot survive while we’re DOING our work.

I’m so proud of myself because I finally released my new single-which Resistance had me keeping on the shelf for TWO YEARS-entitled “RARE” on streaming platforms with accompanying visuals on YouTube. I also just closed a play festival at Onward Theatre called “Anthologies” in which I played leading roles in 3 unique short plays. I am excited about landing new representation in two markets, setting up my acting career for even more success, and am in the process of writing a play and a short film.

I want the world to know that I am UNIQUE and very hard to box in, but if I’m anything, it’s AUTHENTIC. I’m always going to be me and I’m always going to bring my full self to my art.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m still pretty new to Atlanta but I’d say you have to check out the Atlanta Botanical Gardens, walk along the Beltline, catch some live music on the weekends At the Curbside in Inman Park between VinoTeca and Bill Hallman (I perform there sometimes!) And absolutely 100 percent go eat at Mezza Luna in Smyrna (I sing there every Friday…but go for the authentic Italian pasta and seafood!!) If you feel like a night out go to MJQ Underground. It’s a big vibe.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to my husband Giacomo, a highly skilled sculptor and fine artist, and my greatest encourager. Thank you for seeing me, loving me, and always lifting me up. Ti amo tantissimo, sangu mio.

Instagram: @riamuraglia

Youtube: https://youtu.be/BnF0Teiegg4?si=J0hm4MiO5MG5G66D

Other: Check out my new song “RARE” on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/5rGAQhFNfOkPcG3Oe7pFOG?si=81a6819ba3a24adc