Nigerian singer Ruger, known for chart-topping hits like ‘Asiwaju’, has voiced his disappointment over the lack of genuine relationships in the music industry.
Speaking on the latest episode of The Stanley Agu Show, Ruger, real name Michael Adebayo Olayinka, shared that many connections in the industry are purely transactional. According to him, most people only stick around as long as they benefit from you.
“One thing I wish I had known earlier is that no one is your friend in the industry,” the 25-year-old artist said. “At best, you might have one or two genuine people who stand by you and want to see you grow. But once you’re no longer useful to them, they switch up. Everything is business.”
Since bursting onto the scene with his breakout hits and signature eyepatch look, Ruger has quickly become one of the standout voices in the new wave of Afrobeats. However, he now admits that the early days of his career were also marked by hard lessons in trust.
Ruger hinted that he might have been taken advantage of during his time in the spotlight, a realization he says has shaped how he now navigates the industry.
“They’re around you because you’re offering something at that time. The moment that changes, so does their loyalty. So don’t get it twisted, most of the time, you’re on your own.”
Despite the emotional toll of his revelations, Ruger continues to thrive musically, with fans eagerly anticipating his next release.
In a related development, Onyeka Emmanuel Ogbu (popularly known as 7Speed), the founder of Seven Speed Entertainment and COO of BlownBoy Entertainment, recently reflected on his involvement in Ruger’s rise, highlighting the strategy and teamwork that went into building the artist’s brand.
As Ruger evolves both as an artist and a businessman, he leaves a warning for upcoming stars: “Trust few, and understand that in this game, loyalty is rare.”
