Nigerian Afrobeats artiste Michael Adebayo Olayinka, popularly known as Ruger, has expressed regret over his earlier lack of understanding of the Nigerian music industry and its dynamics.

Ruger, who surfaced in the Nigerian music scene in 2020, made this statement during an appearance on The Stanley Agu Show on Saturday, June 21.

“One thing I wish I had known earlier is that no one is your friend in the [music] industry", he noted.

On his part, the Nigerian music climate is all 'business' with nobody interested in building reliable friendships but making money, citing one's relevance based on their worth within a particular time frame or scene.

"Everything is business. Nobody cares. Just know that everything is business. They are moving around with you because you can offer at that time. The moment you might not be able to offer anything, a lot of people will switch," he continued.

An artist is considered lucky according to Ruger, if he finds two bosom friends who would stick with him, despite everything, prove their support nd desire to genuinely see their personal and craft's growth in the music industry in Nigeria.

The most you can have is maybe two genuine friends who stand by you and want to see you grow, and even when things are bad, they are with you and making sure that you are good. That’s all, man," he emphasised.

He reiterated that, "Remember, the most friends you can have in the industry might be two or one or none,” Ruger stated on the Stanley Agu Show.

Evolution of Ruger

Ruger's music journey started in church and school bands, where he shaped his craft. He emerged in 2020, making his first debut in January 2021 with the single "One Shirt" featuring Rema and D’Prince after he was signed to Jonzing World, following his discovery by D’Prince. This was a big launch for his budding musical career.

This feature skyrocketed his career, making his first EP, Pandemic, released in March 2021, a hit.One of the tracks which gained popularity was "Bounce".

Barely eight months later, he dropped his second EP, The Second Wave, in November 2021, with "Dior" becoming another fan favorite. Ruger’s music blends Afrobeats with dancehall, and his signature eyepatch has become part of his unique identity. In 2022, he released "Asiwaju", which topped charts and solidified his status as a hitmaker.

A year before he left his record label, he dropped an album, titled 'Ru the World', showcasing his growth and versatility. In 2024, he established his label, Blown Boy Entertainment, marking a new chapter of independence.