Ruger, originally known as Michael Adebayo Olayinka, emerged as a notable figure in Nigeria's music industry with his distinctive blend of Afrobeat and R&B. Born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, Ruger's cultural roots trace back to the Yoruba tribe, specifically from the Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State. His upbringing in Lagos, a vibrant hub of Nigerian music and culture, undoubtedly influenced his musical journey from an early age.
Ruger catapulted into the limelight in 2020 when he caught the attention of D'Prince, who christened him with the name "Ruger." His debut single made an immediate impact, amassing an impressive seventy million views within just three days of its release. This breakthrough drew the spotlight on Ruger's raw talent and unique sound, setting the stage for his rapid rise in the music scene.
In January 2021, Ruger signed a significant record deal with Jonzing World, a subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment UK, in collaboration with Columbia Records. This milestone marked a pivotal moment in his career, providing him with a global platform to showcase his music. His collaboration with fellow Jonzing World artist **Rema** on "One Shirt" further solidified his place in the industry, showcasing his ability to deliver chart-topping hits.
Ruger's discography boasts notable achievements, including his debut EP titled "Pandemic", which featured the chart-topping single "Bounce". The song resonated widely, climbing to number 39 on Nigeria's Top 50 chart and earning a spot on Apple Music's top Afrobeats songs. His second EP, "The Second Wave", continued this momentum with the lead single "Dior", garnering acclaim both locally and internationally.
Recognized for his impact, Ruger received nominations at prestigious award ceremonies such as AFRIMMA and AFRIMA. He was nominated for Best Newcomer at AFRIMMA 2021 and earned recognition for Best Artiste, Duo or Group in African Reggae, Ragga or Dancehall and Most Promising African Artiste of the Year at AFRIMA. His single "Asiwaju" further cemented his success, dominating Nigeria's Apple Music chart for an unprecedented month and accumulating over 100 million streams on Spotify.
In September 2023, Ruger marked a significant milestone with the release of his highly anticipated debut album, "RU The World". The album showcased Ruger's growth as an artist and solidified his position as a frontrunner in the Afrobeat genre. Ruger's journey continues to captivate audiences worldwide, driven by his infectious melodies, compelling lyrics, and unwavering commitment to musical excellence.
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