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Ruger decries how funding has surpassed talent in Nigerian music
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Ruger Expresses Frustration Over Nigerian Music Industry, Announces New Album “Blown Boy”
Nigerian singer Ruger has voiced his concerns over the current state of the Nigerian music scene, where he feels talent is being overshadowed by money.
In a post on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Ruger shared his frustration about the industry’s tendency to prioritize financial resources over genuine musical ability.
He lamented that even artists with subpar skills can succeed if they have the means to promote their work.
“The music scene has been hurting me coz no matter how shit an artist is, once there’s money for hype, Otilo,” Ruger tweeted, expressing his belief that financial power now plays a bigger role in success than raw talent.
The music scene has been hurting me coz no matter how shit an artist is, once there’s money for hype, Otilo 😂😂
— BLOWNBOY RU (@rugerofficial) November 6, 2024
Ruger’s views are shared by other artists in the Nigerian music industry, with BNXN (formerly Buju) and others voicing similar complaints about how talented musicians struggle to receive the attention they deserve.
The debate over the industry’s current direction has gained momentum in 2024, with many questioning the sustainability of its current model.
Some commentators argue that the Nigerian music scene is facing a period of stagnation, marked by a lack of breakout stars despite a few notable hits.
One of the challenges contributing to this situation is the rising cost of music promotion, which has escalated due to Afrobeat’s increasing global popularity. Timaya recently spoke out about the exorbitant prices of music videos, which can now cost as much as 100 million naira.
Despite his frustration with the industry, Ruger remains confident in his ability to stand out, attributing his high booking rate to his unique stage presence.
In another post, he explained that he doesn’t just sing when performing; he brings his entire personality to the stage, which he believes sets him apart from other artists.
“Let me explain to you why I get booked so much. I don’t come on stage to sing (of which I know I’m so good at) I bring my whole fucking personality on stage it’s not a joke,” Ruger stated.
https://twitter.com/rugerofficial/status/1854110871888200103?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1854110871888200103%7Ctwgr%5E880ba9597f05ee923f2309e578afe723e70ad690%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fmp3bullet.ng%2Fruger-reveals-the-secret-behind-his-high-demand-for-shows%2F
In exciting news for fans, Ruger also revealed the title of his highly anticipated sophomore album, ‘Blown Boy.’ The album is expected to follow up on the success of his debut work and further cement his position in the Nigerian music industry.
Ruger also announced the release of a new single, “Toma Toma,” which is set to drop on November 15, 2024, giving fans a preview of what’s to come on the album.