Nigerian singer Michael Olayinka, popularly known as Ruger, has opened up about the challenges he faced after parting ways with his former record label, Jonzing World.
In a recent interview on the Afrobeats Intelligence podcast, Ruger revealed that he was blacklisted and sidelined by many in the music industry following his decision to go independent in 2024.
“After leaving the label, there were a lot of comments. Some people were saying, ‘This is the last year you’re going to tour’, ‘You’re finished’, ‘You’re done’,” Ruger said.
He noted that beyond harsh online comments, the backlash extended to industry colleagues who distanced themselves, labeling him “ungrateful”—a stigma that often follows artists who exit their labels in Nigeria.
“Many people didn’t want to associate with me. Even those in the same industry,” Ruger said.
“In Nigeria, once you leave a label, public sentiment turns against you. You’re seen as ungrateful.”
The Asiwaju hitmaker said the experience left him fighting cancel culture, forcing him to rebuild his career from scratch.
“I had to meet a lot of people and reintroduce myself. It was stressful. You have to build your own system. It felt like starting all over again.”
Despite the emotional toll, Ruger says he found strength and pushed through.
“I was also down, but I was still strong inside—I triumphed.”
Ruger left Jonzing World in 2024 after a reported fallout with label boss D’Prince and went on to launch his independent label, Blown Boy Entertainment.
Since his exit, he has remained consistent, continuing to drop music and tour internationally, proving critics wrong.
