Afrobeats star Michael Adebayo Olayinka, popularly known as Ruger, has revealed that he gave away his first-ever music earnings to his church—a decision he believes preceded the financial breakthrough that soon followed.
Speaking in a candid chat with VJ Adams, Ruger disclosed that his debut paycheck of ₦500,000 went entirely to his place of worship. According to the singer, he didn’t spend a dime of that money on himself.
“My first earnings from music was ₦500,000 when I first came out. I can remember I gave everything to the church. I didn’t use it. The next payment was ₦1 million. I was feeling like I had arrived. I went on a shopping spree. More millions came in a space of one year,” Ruger recounted.
The Asiwaju crooner also reflected on how money has changed certain aspects of his life and personality.
“Money changed me in some ways. Money changes everybody. No one can say money didn’t change them. When you make more money, a lot of things change—the way you address things, the way you even approach things is different. Some people don’t stress when they have a lot of money,” he said.
Ruger expressed his desire to reach a level of calm and financial stability similar to global music mogul Jay-Z, who, according to Ruger, no longer feels the need to react to critics.
“I want to get to a point where I no longer stress myself over anything. Look at Jay-Z for instance; he doesn’t respond when people insult him knowing he is very successful. I’m looking forward to that level of success,” he added.
Ruger’s revelation offers fans a rare glimpse into the mindset and values that have shaped his journey to fame and fortune.
