Ruger (musician)

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Ruger
Ruger in 2021
Background information
Birth nameMichael Adebayo Olayinka
Born (1999-09-23) 23 September 1999 (age 24)
Lagos, Nigeria
GenresAfrobeats,Afropop
Occupation(s)
  • Singer
  • songwriter
Years active2020–present
LabelsBlown Boy Ent.

Michael Adebayo Olayinka (born 23 September 1999), known as Ruger, is a Nigerian Afrobeats musician and songwriter.[1] He rose to fame with the song "Bounce" and signed a record deal in 2021 with Jonzing World. In 2021, he released his debut EP, Pandemic.[2] In 2024, he exit Jonzing World to start his imprint, which he calls 'Blown Boy Entertainment'.[3]

Early life[edit]

Michael Adebayo Olayinka was born on 23 September 1999 in Lagos, where he was also raised. He is originally from Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State.[4]

Career[edit]

Olayinka was discovered by D'Prince, who gave him the name "Ruger". His first song recorded seventy million views in three days.[5] 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.[6][7]

He released the song "One Shirt" with Rema in January 2021.[8] In February of 2021, he released "Ruger", a single from first EP, PANDEMIC.[9]

"Bounce" became a hit song from Pandemic, and debuted at number 39 on the Top 50 chart Nigeria, and was listed at number 20 on the TurnTable End of the Year chart and number 2 on the Apple Music top Afrobeats songs. On 26 November 2021, he released his second EP, titled The Second Wave, with "Dior" as the lead single, which debuted number 32 on the Top 50 chart, and number 15 on the UK Afrobeats Singles Chart.[10]

On 19 November 2021, he released his second EP, The Second Wave, produced by Kukbeatz.[11] The song "Dior" reached number 32 on the Top 50 chart, and number 15 on the UK Afrobeats Singles Chart.[10] 2021 AFRIMMA (African Muzik Magazine Awards) nominated RUGER for Best NewComer 2021 [12] 2021 AFRIMA (All Africa Music Awards) nominated Ruger for Best Artiste, Duo or Group in African Reggae, Ragga or Dancehall and Most Promising African Artiste of the year.[13]

In February 2023, Ruger was named Best New Artiste at the Soundcity MVP Awards which were held at the Eko Convention Centre in Lagos.[14]

Discography[edit]

Albums / EPs[edit]

  • PANDEMIC (4 March 2021, Jonzing World)
  • The Second Wave (19 November 2021, Jonzing World
  • Ru The World (1 September 2023, Jonzing World)

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Enter Ruger, Naija's new fearless act". The Guardian Nigeria. 17 July 2021. Retrieved 7 January 2022.
  2. ^ Alake, Motolani Yusmid (12 March 2021). "'PANDEMIC' is a wonderful introduction to Ruger's element [Pulse EP Review]". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 4 January 2022.
  3. ^ "Ruger announces his own record label with a freestyle". NotjustOk. 20 January 2024. Retrieved 24 January 2024.
  4. ^ Sare, Watimagbo (2022). "Ruger Full Biography". BuzzNigeria.com. Retrieved 27 December 2022.
  5. ^ "Ruger is switching things up". PAM - Pan African Music. 23 September 2021. Retrieved 7 January 2022.
  6. ^ "Jonzing World's Record Label signs Ruger to join Rema". Vanguard News. 18 January 2021. Retrieved 3 January 2022.
  7. ^ Alake, Motolani (19 January 2021). "D'Prince's Jonzing World unveils new artist, Ruger". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 7 January 2022.
  8. ^ Alake, Motolani (21 January 2021). "Jonzing World's new act, Ruger jumps on 'One Shirt' with D'Prince and Rema". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 4 January 2022.
  9. ^ BellaNaija.com (12 March 2021). "New EP: Ruger – Pandemic". BellaNaija. Retrieved 24 January 2024.
  10. ^ a b "Official Afrobeats Chart Top 20 | Official Charts Company". www.officialcharts.com. Retrieved 7 January 2022.
  11. ^ Adebiyi, Adeayo (17 June 2022). "Ruger's 'Second Wave' EP gets three new singles: 'WeWe,' 'Girlfriend,' and 'Warning'". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 24 January 2024.
  12. ^ "New EP: Ruger – The Second Wave". BellaNaija. 26 November 2021. Retrieved 7 January 2022.
  13. ^ "All Africa Music Awards 2021: All the nominees". Music In Africa. 23 September 2021. Retrieved 24 January 2024.
  14. ^ "Burnaboy, Black Sherif, Win At The Soundcity MVP Awards 2023 (FULL WINNERS LIST)". African Folder. 25 August 2022. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
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