Ruger on Making Blown Boy Ru, Getting Co-Signed by Wizkid & His New Label | Afrobeats Intelligence

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What does it take to bounce back and build from scratch? In this new episode of Afrobeats Intelligence, Joey Akan sits with Nigerian dancehall star Ruger—the artist behind hits like Asiwaju, Girlfriend, and Toma Toma—to break down his evolution from viral sensation to label boss.
Fresh off launching his label Blown Boy Entertainment and releasing his new album Blown Boy Ru, Ruger opens up about heartbreak, hate, and healing. He talks about sneaking out to study Dancehall, learning to write in Patois, and how songs like Warning and Make Way reflect his truth. He shares what it was like leaving his former label, facing doubters who said he’d fall off, and how Wizkid’s tweet gave him the push to keep going, he says after dropping Toma Toma with Tiwa Savage.
Now running his own show, Ruger reflects on artist development, mental discipline, and why his next signee “has to be better than me.” He also breaks down his joint project with BNXN (Buju)—Romeo Must Die—and how collaboration showed a new side of him.
Whether you're a fan of Afrobeats, Dancehall, or the business behind the music, this conversation cuts deep—streaming from Lagos to London, Toronto to Houston, wherever the African sound resonates.

6:24-6:38 “I want to blow up.”
16:14-16:33 “I was born in Festac Town.”
18:32-18:42 “I grew up in a church”
14:14-14:45 “Kukbeatz told me my voice works with this sound.”
23:59-24:25 “Being here, Nigerians can make you feel like you’re not advancing”
26:18-26:27 “You left your old record Label”
27:18-27:29 “Some people were saying this is the last year you’re gonna tour. You’re finished.”
29:12-29:28 “Wizkid tweeted ‘I love Ruger’s make way’ [Please add a screenshot of this tweet.]
33:01-33:11 “Toma Toma” brought Ruger back “We’re back in business baby”
25:50-26:07 “People cannot write about the future, they will have to march along with you.”
37:44-37:55 “You understand who I am now? Now go back.”

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