Ruger in London: Nigeria’s bold and fearless star headlines in the city

A highly-publicised online beef with fellow Nigerian singer BNXN (formerly Buju) kept both singers in the headlines in recent years.

The spat was fuelled by fans comparing the two artists and came to a head when the pair competed for a prize at the Headies, a Nigerian music award show, in 2022, which was ultimately won by BXBN.

But the former rivals eventually called a truce and collaborated on the joint album “RnB”, released earlier this year.

“We grow, you understand,” Ruger tells me. “We grow and we elevate together. That’s the most important thing.”

Looking back now, it seems clear to him that the pair were destined to make great music together, regardless of that early rivalry.

More collaborations are on Ruger’s mind now.

On his wishlist are global superstars Doja Cat, Future and – above all – Adele.

“Just her soft voice and mine doing something amazing. I trust it to be mad!”

So what does Ruger make of the trend of singers from outside the continent tapping into the “African sound”?

As the Afrobeats genre expands globally, even earning its own category at the Grammys and MTV VMAs, it’s the lack of substance behind certain songs that worries Ruger.

“Some people just get into the studio and just do some things, and because there’s money to push, they push it – and the world is forced to like it.

“That’s where I feel like the dilution comes from.”

Despite the pressures of an evolving industry, Ruger remains committed to staying true to his craft.

“Times change,” he says. “I feel like you can either change with the time or do whatever you like.”

For now, though, the boundary-breaking artist is focused on the present and giving the best to his fans.

“I feel blessed… This is my first headline show in London, it’s long overdue.”

Article edited by Natasha Booty