Ruger is a Nigerian Reggae-fusion-Afro-dancehall artist and singer whose entrance into the music industry established him as a promising musician in 2022.

Micheal Adebayo, aka Ruger, is a 22-year-old Nigerian songwriter, singer, and musician who dominated the music conversation in 2021 with his song "Bounce". Just like celebrity musicians such as Davido, Wizkid, Burna Boy, Tems, and Rema, Ruger has carved a niche that will establish his music career and boost his net worth in 2022.

This article discusses Ruger's net worth, endorsements, and collaborations in 2022.

Ruger's net worth 2022

Ruger has an estimated net worth of $200,000. Even though Ruger is not on the list of the top 10 richest musicians in the Nigerian music industry, the singer has increased his net worth since his debut.

Ruger's net worth comes from many sources, including endorsement deals and shows.

Also, Ruger has a fan base of 1.1 million followers on Instagram, 453k subscribers on Youtube, and an average of 400k - 4.9 million views per video on Youtube; these stats ensure a regular stream of revenue for Ruger.

Spotify, Apple Music, and other music streaming services also serve as income and revenue sources for Ruger. They contribute to the steady growth of Ruger's net worth.

Ruger and his manager Prince/instagram

Ruger's rise to fame

Ruger spent his early music years soaking in the styles of music stars such as King Wasiu Ayinde (K1 De Ultimate), one of the richest Fuji musicians in Nigeria, to R&B by American artists like Boys II Men, Justin Bieber, and others. 

According to an interview, the young Ruger resorted to becoming an apprentice at Computer Village, Ikeja, a famous ICT market in Lagos, after his failed attempt to enter the university.

During his time there, he pushed his music on social media by making covers of popular songs—and acts that set him up for success and fame, like his counterpart, Ayra Starr.

After a few months of uploading his music covers, Ruger was discovered by D'Prince, the chairman of Jonzing record label and a former member of Mavin records, in 2020. D'Prince was also the talent manager who discovered Mavin record co-signer Rema, who boasts a booming net worth from his music.

Did you know?

D'Prince is the younger brother of legendary Afrobeats producer Don Jazzy.

Ruger underwent compulsory artist development for about a year after signing with Jonzing World/Sony UK.

In the first quarter of 2021, Jonzing's Records unveiled Ruger as their newest act with his smash hit 5-track EP, "Pandemic."

Although his breakout single “One Shirt” promoted his talent and saw him shine along with influential co-signed Mavin Record artist Rema with D’Prince, it was clear that this was the start of more to come for Ruger. The pandemic was the game-changer for Ruger's music career in Nigeria. 

In no time, records like “Ruger”, “Abu Dhabi”, and “Bounce” off his Pandemic EP began to trend on social media. Ruger's song “Bounce” soon became the hottest track around the hotspot of Nigeria’s Apple Music.

"Bounce" soon topped the chart’s zenith. " Bounce" became the number one song in Gambia, Nigeria and Uganda on July 7, 2022.

Ruger's sporadic fame earned him juicy endorsements and brand ambassador deals. It also reflected in his net worth, as Ruger soon reached a net worth that is valued at thousands of dollars.

Ruger's Endorsements

Nigerian Afrobeats Singer, Ruger.

Ruger's net worth can also be attributed to the many deals and endorsements he has signed. In July 2021, the fast-rising reggae artist, Ruger, signed a residency endorsement deal with Eko Hotels.

The six-concert deal saw Ruger once a month from Sunday, August 15th, 2021 at The Lagos Irish Pub, Eko Hotels & Suites by 6 pm WAT.

“RU NATION!!! I just Signed a massive Entertainment Residency Endorsement Deal with @ekohotels. This will see me spend quality time with my #RuNation Family once a month from this Sunday, August 15th, 2021 at EKO HOTELS by 6 pm,” Ruger posted on his official Instagram page.

Fast forward to April 2022, the Nigerian Afrobeats singer Ruger and highlife duo, The Cavemen were unveiled as brand ambassadors for Tiger beer. Other brand ambassadors included BBNaija Liquorose and Noble Igwe.

Leading the beer's new, year-long #LiveUncaged campaign, the Senior Brand Manager, Tiger Beer, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Beatrice Adeniran, said that the five ambassadors were exemplary leaders in "our society, who have charted their own course and found their unique voices."

Ruger's recent affiliation with the alcohol brand emphasizes his position as one of the brightest young voices to emerge from Nigeria in recent years

The "Dior" crooner, Ruger, was listed in Vogue UK's list of musicians to watch out for in 2022.

Ruger was listed alongside TeeZee, Ayra Starr, and South African rapper Focalistic, who have all been listed in the Vogue list.

Ruger also featured Rema on his debut single "One shirt" and closely followed up with a collaboration with African giant, Burna Boy for his single "Lockdown".

Ruger awards and nominations

The 22-year-old Nigerian music star, Ruger, has become the cynosure of all eyes with his trending bop sounds. Because of how good his music is, he has won some awards and been nominated for other awards.

  • Ruger was nominated at Ghana-Nigeria Music Awards Festival USA for Dancehall artiste of the year alongside Timaya, Patoranking, Stonebwoy, and others.
  • Ruger has also been nominated in the Headies "next-rated awards" category alongside Ayra Starr, BNXN, Lojay, and Zinoleesky in 2022
  • Ruger was nominated by AFRIMA as the Most Promising African Artiste and Best Artiste, Duo or Group in African Reggae, Ragga or Dancehall in 2021.
  • Ruger was nominated by AEAUSA for the Best new artist and Best Reggae/Dancehall Act in 2021.

Read this article on the net worth of Davido, one of Nigeria's top richest musicians.