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Nigeria's Rising Star Set to Take the Stage in London
Ruger Embraces Independence Ahead of London Headline Show: A Journey of Growth and Innovation. Credit:gettyimages
This year has been a turning point for Ruger, the 24-year-old Nigerian Afrobeats sensation, who has boldly embraced independence by parting ways with his former record label to launch his own. Reflecting on this pivotal decision, Ruger describes the experience as both enlightening and challenging.
"I understand the business more now,"
Ruger reveals, acknowledging that the new venture brings added responsibilities but also greater creative freedom.
"It's more stressful, but I feel more enlightened and at peace."
As Ruger prepares for his highly anticipated debut headline show in London, his excitement is palpable. Set to perform at HERE at Outernet on Sunday, 29 September, the artist reflects on the significance of Britain’s capital for Afrobeats.
"London plays a key role in global Afrobeats," Ruger explains. "If your song is big here, it's big around the world."
With his distinctive sound and unique blend of Jamaican Patois and Afrobeats, Ruger has carved a niche for himself in the music industry. He prides himself on never repeating melodies, ensuring each track feels fresh and original.
"My delivery is different, my lyricism is different,"
he says confidently.
"That's why you know a Ruger song when you hear it."
Born and raised in Lagos, Ruger's music draws on his African roots while incorporating global influences, particularly from the Jamaican artists he grew up listening to, such as Chronixx, Popcaan, and Buju Banton. This fusion of dancehall and Afrobeats has helped him master a unique sound that sets him apart.
His hit song Asiwaju, which peaked at number two on the UK Afrobeats chart, remains one of his biggest successes, amassing over 127 million streams on Spotify and 113 million views on YouTube. Ruger’s shift from traditional Afrobeats to a more dancehall-infused sound happened naturally, while working on his song Warning in the studio with Nigerian producer KukBeatz two years ago.
"I told him, 'I think I'm going to stick with this sound. Nobody is killing it the way I just did,'"
Ruger recalls.
With 2.5 million Instagram followers, over four million monthly Spotify listeners, and multiple chart-topping hits, Ruger’s rise since his debut five years ago is undeniable. Emerging artists have taken notice of his innovative approach, with many inspired by the unique energy he brings to the scene.
"I feel like the new artists are learning from the way I do things," Ruger says. "I'm creating another path, doing my own thing."
Known for his signature pink hair and eyepatch, Ruger underscores the importance of individuality in the music industry. He encourages aspiring musicians to identify what makes their sound distinct and to stay true to it.
Ruger has also learned from conflicts in the spotlight. His public feud with fellow Nigerian singer BNXN (formerly Buju) made headlines in recent years, fueled by fan comparisons and culminating in competition at the 2022 Headies Awards, where BNXN won a coveted prize. However, the two artists have since reconciled, collaborating on the joint album RnB, released earlier this year.
"We grow, and we elevate together," Ruger reflects. "That's the most important thing."
Looking ahead, Ruger is eager to collaborate with global superstars like Doja Cat, Future, and Adele, whose "soft voice" he envisions blending harmoniously with his own.
As the global influence of Afrobeats grows—earning its own categories at the Grammys and MTV VMAs—Ruger remains concerned about the genre's potential dilution. He criticizes some artists for lacking authenticity, stating that commercial success should not come at the expense of musical integrity.
"Some people just go into the studio, create something, and because there’s money to push it, the world is forced to like it,"
Ruger says.
Despite these challenges, Ruger is determined to stay true to his craft and evolve on his own terms.
"Times change, but you either change with it or do whatever you like," he says. "For now, I’m focused on the present and giving my fans the best."
Ruger’s London headline show is set to be a landmark moment in his career, marking his continued rise in the music industry.
