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My first ₦500,000 earning was given to the church – Ruger
Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Ruger has shared a heartfelt account of his early financial journey in the music industry, revealing that he donated his first earnings, ₦500,000 to his church.
The Asiwaju hitmaker made the revelation during a recent interview with media personality VJ Adams, where he reflected on his humble beginnings and how the experience of fame has altered his view on money and life.
“At every point in my career, I felt happy with what I had because it got bigger each time. My first payment was like 500k when I first came out, and I can remember how I gave everything to the church,” Ruger said.
“I didn’t use it, and the next payment was like a million, and I was so happy—buying parfaits and stuff. Then more millions came in the space of a year.”
"My first payment was like 500k, I gave everything to the church. The next payment was like 1 million."
– Ruger pic.twitter.com/ytUiqlEBRN
— @𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗷𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗯𝗼𝘆 (@OneJoblessBoy) June 9, 2025
Ruger went on to candidly address the impact of wealth on personality and perspective.
“Money changes everybody; don’t mind what others say,” he noted. “A lot of things change when you start making money—the way you address things, the way you approach things—it’s different.”
Looking ahead, the artist expressed his ambition to reach the financial heights of American hip-hop icon and business mogul Jay Z.
“Some people are so rich that they don’t stress at all. That’s the point I want to get to. You see Jay Z? No matter how many times he’s called out, he never speaks. That’s the kind of money I want.”
Ruger’s transparency has resonated with fans, sparking admiration for his charitable beginnings and grounded outlook on wealth and fame.