Ruger: Biography of fast rising Nigerian artist
Written By
Deborah Dan-AwohEntertainment writer
When Ruger arrived on the Nigerian music scene in the first quarter of 2021 with his song "Bounce"- a highlight from Ruger‘s first EP, “Pandemic.” It instantly positioned him as one of the year’s most promising rookie artists. Following the likes of Davido, Burna Boy, and Wizkid, Ruger is on his way to becoming one of the biggest names in the industry.
Distinguished by his fashion statement eye patch and social media freestyles, Ruger became the artist of the moment with his swirly voice, confident persona, and sexually charged lyrics.
His musical success has been attributed to his talent manager, D'Prince, who signed him under the Jonzing record label. Ruger put his best foot forward with the " Pandemic," which paved the way for his musical success and increased his fame in Nigeria in 2022.
Due to the lucrative nature of the entertainment business in Nigeria, this article will capture Ruger's success trail, his biography, career, and relationship in 2022.
Ruger's biography
Real name | Michael Adebayo Olayinka |
|---|---|
Year born | September 23, 1999 |
Age | 22 years old |
Nationality | Nigerian |
State of Origin | Lagos |
Parents | Mr and Mrs Olayinka |
Record label | Jonzing records |
Occupation | Singer, artist, musician |
Instagram handle | @rugerofficial |
Years active | 2020-present |
Tribe | Yoruba |
Girlfriend | Susan Pwajok (unconfirmed) |
Real name | Michael Adebayo Olayinka |
|---|---|
Year born | September 23, 1999 |
Age | 22 years old |
Nationality | Nigerian |
State of Origin | Lagos |
Parents | Mr and Mrs Olayinka |
Record label | Jonzing records |
Occupation | Singer, artist, musician |
Instagram handle | @rugerofficial |
Years active | 2020-present |
Tribe | Yoruba |
Girlfriend | Susan Pwajok (unconfirmed) |
Ruger's personal life
Ruger is reportedly going out with actress, Susan Pwajok, although the rumours had been flying for some time about their intimate relationship no one was sure until recently.
In a TikTok viral video, the singer and popular actress from the television series were seen all loved up with an emotional song playing in the background and speaking about a friendship that had blossomed into a love bond.
In an interview with skit maker and comedian Broda Shaggi, Ruger attempted to downplay his relationship with Susan by saying, "Susan has always been my bestie, that's all I can say". However, after fans disagreed with Ruger's claims, the Dior crooner came out to announce that Susan is his girlfriend
"Ok, @susanpwajok is my girlfriend. Y’all can get off her d**k now thank you,” he wrote via his Instagram story with a picture of Susan Pwajok.
Ruger's Girlfriend: Who is Susan Pwajok?
Susan Laraba Pwajok is a famous Nigerian celebrity known for her role as "Blessing" in the family sitcom "The Johnsons". The Plateau state actress was born in 2003 and is currently 19 years old in 2022.
Susan began her acting career at a tender age in the theatrical drama “Adaobi is getting married.” After a six-year hiatus, Susan later returned to the screens.
The young actress also works as a model and social media influencer. She is also a brand ambassador for the software company Hewlett-Packard.
Susan featured in the movie "The Tunnel” alongside famous personalities, including Patrick Doyle and singer Waje. The movie was released in 2014.
She won the Movie Personality of the Year Award at the Nigeria Child Awards of 2017.
Ruger's career
Ruger's foray into music fame started at a young age. As a teenager, he joined his school music band and began composing song lyrics to perform at shows and school events. His stage name at the time was "Mikki Drey".
In 2021, he was discovered by D'Prince, who renamed him "Ruger." Ruger made his dramatic entry after he signed a record deal with D'Prince's "Jonzing world record." That same year, in January 2021, D’Prince announced the signing of Ruger to Jonzing World and Sony Music Entertainment UK in a joint venture with Columbia Records.
D'Prince introduced Ruger to the public after the release of "One Shirt" with Rema. Fast forward to February 19, 2021, the "Dior" crooner released Ruger, a self-titled single from his first EP project, PANDEMIC.
The 22-year-old Lagos born released his debut EP "Pandemic" on March 4, 2021, after a publishing and distribution deal with Columbia Records and Sony Music Entertainment, U.K division.
It wasn't long before Ruger achieved mainstream recognition with the release of his debut extended play and its hit track "Bounce," which became his first breakthrough hit. "Bounce," the open highlight of the EP " Pandemic," became a primary hit song as it debuted at number 39 on the Apple music Top 50 chart and 15 on the UK Afrobeats Singles Chart.
In the same year, the song debuted at number 20 on the TurnTable End of the Year chart. Bounce peaked number one on Apple Music in Nigeria and other African countries.
By November 19, 2021, he released his second EP, The Second Wave. "Dior" from the EP reached 32 on the Top 50 chart and 15th on the UK Afrobeats Singles Chart. Kukbeats produced the Second Wave. He was also a part of Burnaboy's 02 arena concert in 2020, where he performed.
Ruger's lyrics and style of music have an Afro-Pop sound with dancehall elements-showing a healthy balance of Reggae and Afrobeat.
Ruger's music style has won him the admiration of female fans all over Nigeria; the Nigerian singer has faced assaults from overzealous female fans.
Ruger performing on stage.
Ruger assaulted
During a surprise performance on March 26, 2022, for billionaire Tony Elumelu at Hard Rock Cafe, Lagos- Ruger got into an awkward situation.
According to the viral video, while treating his fans and the celebrant to his sensational songs, a fierce female fan sexually harassed the singer in the middle of his performance.
The female fan groped the singer inappropriately. Shocked, the 22-year-old Ruger left the stage with a pained facial expression, thus ending his performance early.
The event generated several reactions from the online community; some advised the singer to get the lady arrested by the police for sexual harassment.
Meanwhile, in earlier reports from the video, the guilty female fan at first tried to invade Ruger’s space on stage, but he ignored her and appeared uninterested in her antics.
Barely four months after the Hard Rock cafe assault, Ruger was again harassed by a fan during his performance in Australia.
He was in the middle of his performance and came down from the stage to engage with the audience when a female fan pulled him in for a sloppy kiss. His bodyguards quickly disengaged him from the wild fan's embrace and took him away.
Ruger's awards and nominations
Ruger has not won any awards yet, but he has been nominated for a few.
- AFRIMA: Most Promising African Artiste(2021)
- AFRIMA: Best Artiste, Duo, or Group in African Reggae, Ragga, or Dancehall(2021)
- African Entertainment Award-AEAUSA Awards: Best New Artist (nomination) 2021
- AEAUSA Awards: Best Reggae/Dancehall Act (nomination) 2021
- Ruger was nominated for Headies "Next Rated" award(2022) alongside Ayra Starr, BNXN, Zinoleesky and others.
Ruger's Net worth in 2022
Ruger is experiencing a progressive career that has opened more doors for endorsements and increased his net worth. Clacified has a detailed article on Ruger's net worth 2022 and source of income.