Michael Adebayo, known as Ruger, has spoken openly about the difficult road he’s walked since cutting ties with Jonzing World, the label that helped launch his career, NaijNaira can report.
In an interview with Afrobeats Intelligence, Ruger explained how leaving the label in 2024 led to major backlash and industry cold-shouldering. He founded his own outfit, Blown Boy Entertainment, and publicly distanced himself from what he called the “godfather” culture in Nigeria’s music scene.
He claimed the label used money earned from his work to support new signees without keeping him in the loop. “I didn’t renew my contract because they weren’t pushing my brand the way I expected,” he said.
Ruger added that the exit came with consequences: “Once you leave a label in Nigeria, they call you ungrateful. I had to start everything again.”
Many predicted his career wouldn’t survive beyond one more tour. Still, Ruger kept pushing—largely on his own.
One unexpected moment kept him going. “Wizkid tweeted, ‘I love Ruga’s Make Way so much.’ That was the motivation I needed,” he recalled.
He toured Europe, rebuilt from the ground up, and kept recording. Even with doubts all around him, Ruger is still moving.
Article updated 3 days ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
