Nigerian singer Michael Olayinka, better known as Ruger, has revealed he faced significant backlash from fans and industry colleagues after parting ways with his former label, Jonzing World, in 2024.
Speaking on the ‘Afrobeats Intelligence’ podcast, Ruger said many in the music industry distanced themselves from him, with some fans dismissing his career prospects entirely. He described the period as emotionally and professionally taxing, likening it to battling cancel culture.
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The artist explained that leaving a label in Nigeria often attracts stigma, with public perception branding such artists as ungrateful—a view he says made rebuilding his career particularly challenging.
Despite the hurdles, Ruger says he has since found his footing through determination and hard work. He now runs his own music outfit, Blown Boy Entertainment, launched after his fallout with label boss D’Prince.
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