Why I desire my colleagues to perceive me as a formidable competitor – Ruger

In a recent episode of the Afrobeats Podcast hosted by Adesope Olajide, popular singer Ruger, whose real name is Michael Adebayo Olayinka, expressed his desire for his colleagues to perceive him as a formidable force in the industry. He believes that it is detrimental to one's career if they are not seen as a threat.

Ruger explained that his hit song 'Asiwaju' was inspired by this mindset. The track features confident and boastful lyrics delivered in a combination of Pidgin and Yoruba languages.

He emphasized that 'Asiwaju' holds great significance to him as it is not only a catchy tune but also a personal message. Ruger wants to ensure that nobody underestimates his capabilities and views him as anything less than a powerful and influential artist.

“When people don’t see you as a threat, it’s bad. There are a lot of artists that are in that category. Sorry and it’s bad, honestly. When you are about to release music and nobody is shaking; you announced a single/project release date and nobody is bothered. It’s really bad.

“You’ve to make yourself a threat. People have to anticipate your release whether it’s good or bad. That’s the level I’m on right now. It’s deliberate. I want my colleagues to see me as a threat. You can’t be a softy. You either be a monster or you be food. Many people are foods right now. The music business taught be to be hard. It’s not all love, mehn. I can’t lie to you. Just follow your own pace and be that monster.” 

Ruger reiterated that he has come to realize that only few people love him for who he is, stressing that rapper Dremo is the only friend he has in the music industry.

#Ruger

#Afrobeat