Ruger’s Bold Leap: From Jonzing World Rejection to Blown Boy Triumph
In a music industry where loyalty is often a façade, Nigerian Afrobeats star Michael Olayinka, better known as Ruger, has laid bare the raw truth of his departure from Jonzing World. The 25-year-old singer, whose 2021 hit “Bounce” skyrocketed him to fame, recently shared a gripping account of betrayal, rejection, and resilience on the Afrobeats Intelligence podcast. His story is a testament to the cutthroat nature of Nigeria’s music scene and the strength it takes to rise above it.
Ruger’s split from Jonzing World in 2024, after a reported fallout with label founder D’Prince, sent shockwaves through the industry. The move was not just a career pivot but a bold declaration of independence. Yet, it came at a steep cost. “After leaving the label, there were a lot of comments about it,” Ruger revealed, his voice heavy with the weight of betrayal. Industry peers and fans alike turned their backs, branding him “ungrateful” for leaving the label that gave him his big break. Some even predicted his downfall, with taunts like “You’re finished” and “This is the last year you’re going to tour.”
The blacklist was real. Colleagues distanced themselves, unwilling to associate with someone seen as disloyal. “Not everybody was willing to help me,” Ruger admitted, exposing the industry’s harsh unwritten rule: leave your label, and you’re on your own. The emotional toll was evident, but Ruger refused to break. Instead, he channeled his pain into building Blown Boy Entertainment, his own label, from the ground up. “It’s not easy to leave a label. You have to build your own system,” he said, underscoring the daunting task of starting anew.
Yet, Ruger’s story is not one of defeat but of defiance. Despite the naysayers, he released tracks like “BlownBoy Anthem,” “Ilashe,” and “Wish You Well,” proving his talent was far from finished. His BlownBoy Ru world tour in 2025 has drawn global praise, with fans packing venues across continents to witness his electrifying performances. The album Blown Boy, launched at an exclusive listening party in March 2025, showcases his growth, blending Afrobeats, Dancehall, and R&B into a “diary of freedom.”
Ruger’s journey exposes the music industry’s darker side, where success can breed envy and independence invites punishment. Yet, his refusal to bow to pressure has turned skeptics into believers. “I didn’t hold back,” he said of his latest work, a statement that encapsulates his entire comeback. From industry outcast to global trailblazer, Ruger’s story is a powerful reminder that true talent can’t be silenced. As he continues to carve his path, the world is watching, and listening.
Comments
No comments yet. Be the first to comment!