Ruger biography and net worth 2025

When Ruger released his hit song "Bounce"- a highlight from Ruger‘s first EP, “Pandemic.” in the first quarter of 2021, 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 and 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 2025.

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 2025.

Ruger's biography and early life

Michael Adebayo Olayinka popularly known as Ruger is a Nigerian musician and songwriter.

He was born on the 23rd of September, 1999 into a christian family. Ruger is from Kogi state Ijumu Local Government Area precisely.

Michael Adebayo Olayinka popularly known as Ruger is a Nigerian musician and songwriter.

He was born on the 23rd of September, 1999 into a Christian family. Ruger is from Kogi state Ijumu Local Government Area precisely.

Ruger was born and brought up in Lagos state. He also had his primary and secondary education in LagoS state.

Ruger has had a passion for music right from childhood. He joined his church choir and his school band group. While in school, he performed in several school events honing his talent.

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 21 years old in 2025.

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 was once 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 was reportedly going out with Susan Pwajok in 2022 although the rumour was flying about their intimate relationship no one was sure.

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,”

Ruger wrote via his Instagram story with a picture of Susan Pwajok.

However, Susan Pwajok. maintained that every relationship claim between herself and Ruger should be regarded as rumor until she publicly confirm it which she hasn't confirmed till now.

Ruger's music 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 25-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 Burna boy'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 also faced assaults from overzealous female fans.

Ruger's awards and endorsement deals

Ruger had been nominated for a few awards some of which are:

• 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.

In 2023, Ruger won the Best New MVP award. In 2025, Ruger was over looked at the17th edition of the Headies Awards.

Aside Ruger's numerous awards and nominations, he has also signed endorsement deals with  top brands like Tiger beer, Eko hotels, etc. He signed a six concert deal with Eko hotels in 2021. 

Ruger's Net worth in 2025

Ruger is experiencing a progressive career that has opened more doors for endorsements and increased his net worth.

Ruger's net worth is estimated to be about $500,000. Ruger's massive net worth and wealth can be attributed to his numerous endorsement deals, song streams which he makes over $2,604,000 per month from few of his songs on Spotify, live performances which he charges about $40,000 per show, and his music label.

Clacified has a detailed article on Ruger's net worth and source of income in 2025

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 25-year-old Ruger left the stage with a pained facial expression, thus ending his performance early.

The event got 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.