Ruger Decries Lack of Genuine Friendship in Nigerian Music Industry
Nigerian Afrobeats star Michael Adebayo Olayinka, professionally known as Ruger, has opened up about the emotional undercurrents in the country’s music industry, revealing that authentic friendships among artists are few and far between. In a revealing conversation on the Bahd & Boujee Podcast, the chart-topping singer-songwriter spoke candidly about envy, superficial alliances, and his decision to maintain independence.
When asked about friendships and collaborations within the entertainment industry, Ruger didn’t mince words. He admitted that while some artists operate in cliques, he prefers to walk his own path. “There may be cliques in the industry, but I don’t really know. I’m a clique by myself,” Ruger said.
He noted that maintaining genuine relationships is difficult because envy tends to seep into most friendships, especially in a competitive space where success often breeds silent rivalries. “If I’m not the kind of person that is generally envious, then I can’t be envious of my fellow artistes,” he added. “But let’s be honest there’s hardly genuine friendship in this industry.”
Ruger also hinted at reconciling with artists he had previously fallen out with. He recently launched his new record label, Blown Boy Entertainment, and marked the occasion with a freestyle in which he admitted past conflicts but suggested he was now on the path to resolution. “I’m now settling with the ones I fought with. I’m not fighting all the nggas I fcked with,” he rapped, implying a shift toward personal growth and maturity.
Despite his reconciliatory tone, Ruger remained skeptical about forming close bonds in the industry going forward. He also observed that Nigerian artists tend to exhibit stronger unity when performing or attending events outside the country. “When artists from here meet each other outside the country, there’s unity. Everybody is supporting each other,” he noted. But he emphasized that such solidarity is often short-lived and doesn’t reflect the reality on the ground within Nigeria’s borders, where the race for dominance and attention creates distance among peers.
This isn’t the first time Ruger has taken aim at the music industry’s internal dynamics. In previous interviews, he lamented how financial influence often overrides talent, especially with the growing reliance on hype and digital promotion. “The music scene has been hurting me. No matter how poor an artist is, once there’s money for hype—Otilo [it’s over],” he once said.
He has also been a vocal critic of excessive autotune use and what he perceives as a growing lack of authenticity in music production and performance.
Ruger’s remarks provide a rare, introspective glimpse into the Nigerian music industry’s interpersonal challenges. While he continues to soar musically, the artist has chosen to navigate fame on his own terms—valuing independence over performative friendships, and authenticity over popularity.
As Afrobeats continue its global rise, Ruger’s candidness serves as a reminder that beyond the glamour, the industry is still grappling with issues of trust, ego, and emotional sincerity.
