In the ever-evolving world of Afrobeats, Nigerian artist Ruger has proven that taking risks can lead to extraordinary rewards. The 24-year-old singer, known for his vibrant pink hair and signature eye patch, recently embarked on a new chapter in his career by parting ways with his former record label to establish his own. This bold move, while challenging, has given Ruger a deeper understanding of the business side of music and allowed him to take full control of his creative journey.
“I understand the business more now,” Ruger reflects, acknowledging the increased responsibilities that come with independence. “It’s more stressful, but I feel more enlightened and at peace.” This newfound freedom has enabled him to make decisions that align with his vision for his music, a vision that has helped shape his distinctive sound.
As he prepares for his first headline show in London, Ruger remains relaxed and upbeat. For him, the UK’s capital is more than just a venue—it is a vital hub for the global success of Afrobeats music. “If your song is big here, it is big around the world,” he says with confidence. However, Ruger is not content with merely following the status quo. His music stands out due to his unique fusion of Jamaican Patois and Afrobeats, a combination that sets him apart from his peers.
“That’s why you know a Ruger song when you hear it,” he explains. “My delivery is different, my lyricism is different.” Born and raised in the bustling city of Lagos, Nigeria, Ruger’s music is a reflection of both his African roots and global influences. Growing up listening to Jamaican artists like Chronixx, Popcaan, and Buju Banton, Ruger seamlessly blends dancehall with Afrobeats, creating a sound that is entirely his own.
His hit single Asiwaju has been one of the most significant milestones in his career. The infectious track peaked at number two on the UK Afrobeats chart and has amassed over 127 million streams on Spotify and 113 million views on YouTube. Despite his growing success, Ruger emphasizes that his transition into this unique sound was not a calculated move. “It was organic,” he says, recalling a studio session with Nigerian producer KukBeatz two years ago. “I realized no one was killing this sound the way I just did it, so I decided to stick with it.”
With over four million monthly listeners on Spotify and 2.5 million Instagram followers, Ruger’s influence on the African music scene is undeniable. He believes emerging artists are taking note of his approach, learning from his fusion of genres and commitment to authenticity. “I feel like everybody coming up is looking at how I do it and they’re learning from me,” Ruger says. “I’m creating another path.”
Ruger also reflects on his publicized rivalry with fellow Nigerian artist BNXN (formerly Buju), a feud that captivated fans and media alike. Although the competition peaked during the 2022 Headies music awards, where BNXN took home a coveted prize, the two artists have since put their differences aside, collaborating on the album RnB. “We grow and elevate together,” Ruger says, emphasizing that unity is more important than past conflicts.
As Afrobeats continues to gain global recognition, Ruger remains focused on maintaining the substance and authenticity of his music. While he welcomes the genre’s global expansion, he expresses concern about artists jumping on the Afrobeats wave without fully understanding or respecting its roots. “Some people just get into the studio and push anything because they have money to promote it,” he warns. “That’s where the dilution comes from.”
Despite the pressures of an ever-changing industry, Ruger stays grounded, committed to delivering the best for his fans. His headline show in London, a long-overdue moment for the artist, marks a significant milestone in his career, but for Ruger, it is just the beginning of a journey that is far from over.
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