Ruger Reveals Key Secret To Success In Nigerian Music Industry
Michael Adebayo Olayinka, a renowned Nigerian singer professionally known as Ruger, has expressed his belief that one must possess a certain level of tenacity and competitiveness in the music industry in order to carve out a niche for themselves.
As an artist signed to Jonzing Records, Ruger has stated that he aspires to be perceived as a formidable force by his peers, as this is an integral part of his identity. He elaborated on this perspective while discussing the creative impetus behind his popular track, ‘Asiwaju’, during a recent interview with Adesope Olajide on the Afrobeats Podcast.
Ruger, who boasts in Pidgin and Yoruba on the track, said it’s bad when someone is not seen as a threat in the entertainment industry.
He premised his opinion on the lyrics contained in his banger, Asiwaju. Here’s what he said; “It [‘Asiwaju’] is everything. It’s a viby song. It’s also a personal message because I don’t want anyone to look at me as not dangerous.
“When people don’t see you as a threat, it’s bad. There are a lot of artists that are in that category. Sorry and it’s bad, honestly. When you are about to release music and nobody is shaking; you announced a single/project release date and nobody is bothered. It’s really bad.
“You’ve to make yourself a threat. People have to anticipate your release whether it’s good or bad. That’s the level I’m on right now. It’s deliberate.
“I want my colleagues to see me as a threat. You can’t be a softy. You either be a monster or you be food. Many people are foods right now. The music business taught be to be hard. It’s not all love, mehn. I can’t lie to you. Just follow your own pace and be that monster.”
Ruger’s musical journey began at a young age, where he honed his skills as a member of his school’s music band and church choir. As he grew older, he began composing his own songs and performing at various shows and school functions. It was during this time that he caught the attention of D’Prince, who bestowed upon him the name “Ruger”.
Ruger’s debut single recorded an impressive seventy million views in just three days, catapulting him into the limelight. In January 2021, D’Prince announced Ruger’s signing to Jonzing World and Sony Music Entertainment UK, in a joint venture with Columbia Records.
Following the release of “One Shirt” with Rema, Ruger was introduced to the public and subsequently released his self-titled single “Ruger” on 19 February 2021, which was part of his first EP project titled PANDEMIC. The EP was certified Platinum in Sub-Saharan Africa, and Ruger achieved mainstream recognition with the release of his hit track “Bounce”, which garnered over 52 million views on YouTube and reached number one on Apple Music in Nigeria and other African countries.
On 19 November 2021, Ruger released his second EP titled The Second Wave, produced by Kukbeatz, which was led by the hit single “Dior”. The song peaked at number one in Nigeria, Gambia, Kenya, Uganda, Sierra Leone, Madagascar, and other African countries.
“Dior” also peaked at number 32 on the Top 50 chart and number 15 on the UK Afrobeats Singles Chart. Ruger’s talent has not gone unnoticed, as he was nominated for Best Newcomer 2021 and Best Artiste, Duo or Group in African Reggae, Ragga or Dancehall, and Most Promising African Artiste of the year at the 2021 AFRIMMA (African Muzik Magazine Awards) and AFRIMA (All Africa Music Awards), respectively.
