Michael Olayinka Adebayo, professionally known as Ruger, is a highly talented Nigerian singer and songwriter with a specialization in Afrobeat music.
He first gained widespread recognition in 2021, following his signing with D’Prince’s record label, “Jonzing World Record”. In addition, Ruger signed a publishing and distribution deal with Columbia Records and Sony Music Entertainment’s U.K. branch.
With these partnerships, Ruger has been able to expand his reach globally, showcasing his exceptional talent to a broader audience. His unique sound and creative style have continued to attract fans, making him one of Nigeria’s rising stars in the music industry.
Ruger Biography
- Full Name : Michael Olayinka Adebayo
- Stage Name : Ruger
- Date Of Birth : 23 September 1999
- Place Of Birth : Lagos State, Nigeria
- Net Worth : $250,000
- Social Media Handle : Instagram @rugerofficial
Twitter @rugerofficial
Early Life
Ruger, born on September 23, 1999, in Lagos State, Nigeria, developed a keen interest in music at an early age due to his exposure to various forms of music. Coming from a family with a strong musical background, it was not surprising that he developed a passion for the arts.
Being the only son in his family, Ruger received tremendous support from his loved ones. He grew up listening to a variety of musical genres, including Bob Marley, Rihanna, Boyz II Men, Beyonce, R. Kelly, and 2face, among others, which influenced his sound and style as a musician.
Having graduated from distinguished primary and secondary schools in Lagos, Ruger earned his first school leaving certificate and West African School Certificate.
Currently, he is an undergraduate student at a prestigious university in southwest Nigeria, where he continues to pursue his academic aspirations while also making significant strides in his music career.
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Career
Michael’s passion for music began at a young age, and as a teenager, he was actively involved in his school music band and church choir.
He honed his skills in songwriting and live performances, which he showcased at school gatherings and shows. D’Prince discovered Michael’s talent and gave him the moniker “Ruger”.
He subsequently signed a joint venture record deal with Jonzing World, Sony Music Entertainment UK, and Columbia Records in January 2021.
Ruger gained widespread attention with the release of his debut EP project, PANDEMIC, which featured the self-titled track “Ruger” and the hit single “One Shirt” with Rema.
The latter was presented to the public by D’Prince and marked Ruger’s official introduction to the Nigerian music scene. The EP also included the popular tune “Bounce,” which topped charts and reached number one on Apple Music in Nigeria and other African countries.
On November 19, 2021, Ruger released his second extended play, The Second Wave, produced entirely by Kukbeats. The project featured impressive tracks that further showcased his creativity and versatility as a musician.
With these successful releases, Ruger has cemented his position as one of Nigeria’s most promising young talents in the music industry.
Personal Life
Ruger, previously known as Mikki Drey, maintains a low profile when it comes to his personal life. He is currently single and not married, residing in a Lagos flat that was leased for him by his record label. The label also gifted him a luxurious car, adding to his growing list of assets.
In a Max FM interview, Ruger disclosed that he is not blind, clarifying that he covers one of his eyes out of respect for someone. He declined to provide further details, citing that discussing the matter would be a sign of disrespect towards that person.
Ruger is currently signed to Jonzing World, a record label affiliated with Don Jazzy’s Mavin Records. The label boasts a talented roster of musicians, including Rema, Magixx, Ayra Starr, Korede Bello, Johnny Drille, Boy Spyce, Ladipoe, and Crayon, among others.
Ruger’s association with the label has proven to be a significant boost to his music career, and he continues to make strides as one of Nigeria’s emerging stars in the music industry.
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Songs
- “One Shirt” (featuring Rema and D’Prince)
- “Ruger”
- “Bow”
- “Abu Dhabi”
- “Yekpa”
- “Monalisa”
- “Bounce”
- “Lockdown”
- “Mind Games”
- “Bossman” (featuring D’Prince and Rema)
- “Abeg”
- “Dem Dead”
- “Hello Brother”
- “Dior” (freestyle)
- “Fame”
- “Pandemic”
- “Olopa”
- “Paranoid”
- “Rush”
- “Self Control”
- “Trips”
- “Wave”
Awards and Nominations
| Year | Award Ceremony | Award Description | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | AFRIMA | Best Artiste, Duo or Group in African Reggae, Ragga or Dancehall | Nominated |
| 2021 | AFRIMA | Most Promising African Artiste | Nominated |
| 2021 | AEAUSA Awards | Best New Artist | Nominated |
| 2021 | AEAUSA Awards | Best Reggae/Dancehall Act | Nominated |
Net worth
Ruger, fast-rising Nigerian singer and songwriter, is estimated to have a net worth of approximately $250,000.
Social Media Handle
Instagram @rugerofficial
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