Full name | Michael Adebayo Olayinka |
Stage name | Ruger |
Nationality | Nigerian |
State of Origin | Kogi State |
Marital status | Single |
Parents name | Mr and Mrs Olayinka |
Date of Birth | 23 September 23, 1999 |
Place of Birth | Lagos State |
Profession | Musician |
Record Label | Jonzing World (Mavins Affiliated) |
Networth | $100,000 |
Height | 5”7 feet tall |
Ruger, a young Nigerian singer and songwriter, has captivated millions with his unique voice and vibrant Afrobeats, leaving fans eager to know more about him.
In this comprehensive blog post, we’ll explore Ruger’s net worth, how he makes his money, his biography, and the remarkable journey that propelled him from humble beginnings to becoming a rising star in the music industry.
Additionally, we’ll look into his groundbreaking albums, his assets, and the awards and recognition he has garnered.
From his net worth and biography to his music, assets, awards, and nominations, consider this blog your all-access pass to understand all you need to know about Ruger.
Ruger’s Net Worth
Ruger’s status as one of Nigeria’s most sought-after Afrobeats musicians has naturally led to curiosity about his financial success. While specific details remain private, estimates place his net worth at $322,000 as of 2024. This positions him among the country’s most successful young artists.
Performing live is a significant source of income for Ruger, but his earnings extend beyond the stage. Royalties from his music and lucrative endorsement deals contribute to his overall wealth. His dedication and captivating performances have drawn comparisons to his labelmate Rema, suggesting a future filled with even greater financial rewards.
How Ruger Makes His Money
Ruger’s income streams extend beyond the bright lights of the stage. Here’s a breakdown of his potential sources:
- Live Performances: Concerts, festivals, and tours are a significant contributor to Ruger’s income. As his popularity grows, so too will his performance fees. The lucrative “The Rugged Tour” exemplifies this earning potential.
- Music Royalties: Every time his songs are streamed on platforms like Spotify or Apple Music or played on the radio, Ruger earns royalties. Hit songs like “Bounce” and “Dior” likely generate a steady stream of income.
- Record Sales: While digital sales aren’t as dominant as streaming, Ruger might still earn some income from downloads and purchases on platforms like iTunes.
- Endorsement Deals: As his fame increases, companies may pay Ruger to promote their products or services. This could involve social media posts, commercials, or personal appearances.
Ruger Biography
Michael Adebayo Olayinka, known professionally as Ruger, was born on September 23, 1999, in Lagos, Nigeria. Though some sources claim he was raised solely in Lagos, others indicate he hails from the Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State. Regardless of his exact origins, Lagos is where his musical journey began.
Ruger’s family nurtured his love for music. Exposed to a wide range of genres from a young age, he found inspiration in artists like Bob Marley, Rihanna, Boyz II Men, Beyoncé, R. Kelly, and 2Baba. With his family’s support, he pursued his passion and honed his skills.
After completing his primary and secondary education in Lagos, earning both his West African School Certificate and First School Leaving Certificate, Ruger continued his academic journey at a prestigious university in southwest Nigeria (details of the university are not publicly available).
Ruger’s big break came in January 2020 when D’Prince, of Jonzing World Records (affiliated with Don Jazzy’s Mavin Records), signed him as an artist. This label, which houses talents like Rema and Ozedikus, provided Ruger with the platform to launch his career.
Ruger’s Music Career
Ruger’s musical journey began in his teenage years, fueled by a desire to make mainstream Afrobeats. He honed his skills by writing songs and performing in his school band and church choir. By his senior year, he was recording original music in local studios, building a reputation in Lagos’ underground scene.
This dedication caught the eye of D’Prince, a rapper and talent scout for Mavin Records. Impressed by Ruger’s talent, D’Prince mentored him, refining his songwriting and vocals before signing him to Jonzing World Records in January 2021.
Ruger’s debut single, “One Shirt,” featuring Rema and D’Prince, dropped that same month. This was followed by his debut EP, Pandemic, released in March 2021. The project’s lead single, “Bounce,” became a runaway success, propelling Ruger to national recognition.
It reached number 39 on the Top 50 chart in Nigeria and landed spots on the TurnTable End of the Year chart (#20) and Apple Music’s top Afrobeats songs (#2).
Riding this wave, Ruger released his second EP, The Second Wave, in November 2021. This project, again produced by Kukbeatz, featured the hit single “Dior” which peaked at number 32 on the Top 50 chart and number 15 on the UK Afrobeats Singles Chart.
His success continued in 2022 with the release of The Second Wave Deluxe, featuring bonus tracks “Girlfriend,” “Wewe,” and “Warning.” He also embarked on his first international tour, “The Rugged Tour,” performing in the U.S., Australia, Netherlands, Cyprus, and more.
Most recently, in September 2023, Ruger released his first full-length album, RU The World. This 17-track project showcases his songwriting skills and collaborations with diverse artists like Stefflon Don, Sauti Sol, and Govana.
Ruger’s Discography
Early Singles (2021):
- One Shirt (ft. Rema) – January 2021 (Collaboration with Rema)
- Ruger – February 2021 (from the Pandemic EP)
Pandemic (EP) – March 4, 2021 (Jonzing World):
- Bounce (2021)
- Abu Dhabi (2021)
- Yekpa (2021)
- Monalisa (2021)
- Lock Down (2021)
- Social Media (2021)
- Girlfriend (2021)
The Second Wave (EP) – November 19, 2021 (Jonzing World):
- Champion (2021)
- Warning (2021)
- WeWe (2021)
- Useless (2021)
- Dior (2021) – Lead Single
- Snapchat (2021)
Later Singles and Projects (2022-2024):
- Asiwaju (2022) – Single
- Red Flags (2022) – Single
- Tour (2023) – Single
- All of Us (2023) – Single
- I Want Peace (2023) – Single
- Ru The World (Album) – September 1, 2023 (Jonzing World)
- Romeo Must Die (RMD) (2024) – Single
Ruger Assets
Ruger flaunts his assets on material things. Ruger uses his money to get himself a mansion in Lekki, he also has cars. Some of his cars are:
- Mercedez benz G wageon
- Range rover
- Infinity
- He also has an old Mercedez Benz which is yellow
Ruger’s Awards And Nominations
Ruger, the rising star in Afrobeats, has been turning heads and collecting nominations and awards along the way. Here’s a look at his achievements so far:
- 2021 AFRIMMA (African Muzik Magazine Awards):
- Nominated for Best Newcomer
- 2021 AFRIMA (All Africa Music Awards):
- Nominated for Best Artiste, Duo or Group in African Reggae, Ragga or Dancehall
- Nominated for Most Promising African Artiste of the Year
- AEAUSA (African Entertainment Awards USA):
- Nominated for Best New Artist
- Nominated for Best Reggae or Dancehall Act of the Year
- February 2023 – Soundcity MVP Awards:
- Won Best New Artiste
Is Ruger Blind?
Entertainer Ruger has no vision issues and is not blind. The rapidly growing musician has become involved in a controversy over time because of the patch he consistently wears over his left eye when making appearances. But he’s done a good job of acknowledging the issue and giving an explanation for why he wears the patch.
What is the purpose of Ruger’s eye patch? During his appearance as a guest on Nancy Isime’s Trending TV show on HipTV, Ruger provides a thorough and precise explanation for why he wears the eye patch. To give you a hint, it’s not because of an infection or eye defect, as some people think; rather, it’s a reference to a person he knows and a sniper’s symbol.
Eye patches serve as symbols. I borrowed it from someone, but I told my own story.” Ruger begins, “They told this particular person to cease doing whatever he was doing and carry on with his life after he lost one eye but then grew stronger. They told him to quit because he was in the military, but he broke down and said, “No, I want to continue with it [his military service], and I see it as a symbol of strength because what could have brought him down made him stronger and I’m a very big testimony.”
So for people thinking that Ruger is blind, he isn’t bling the eye patch is just a fashion to him in his way.
Ruger Social Media Accounts
Instagram: @rugerofficial
Twitter: @rugerofficial
Conclusion
Ruger’s journey from Lagos schoolboy to Afrobeats star is a testament to his talent, dedication, and the support of his family and mentors. While details about his wealth are private, estimates suggest a net worth of $322,000, placing him among Nigeria’s most successful young musicians.
His earnings come from a variety of sources, including live performances, royalties, and endorsements. With his critically acclaimed debut album and international tours, Ruger is poised to continue his meteoric rise in the Afrobeats world.