Michael Olayinka Adebayo, popularly known as Ruger, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter who specialises in Afrobeat music. Ruger rose to prominence in 2021 after signing a record deal with D’Prince, dubbed “Jonzing World Record“, as well as a publishing and distribution deal with Columbia Records and Sony Music Entertainment’s U.K. branch.
Early Life and Education
Ruger was born on September 23, 1999, in Lagos State, Nigeria. He was exposed to several forms of music from an early age, which sparked his interest in the arts. This wasn’t surprising given his family’s musical tastes. He is the only son in his family, and he receives a lot of support from it.
Ruger grew up listening to Bob Marley, Rihanna, Boyz II Men, Beyonce, R. Kelly, and 2face, among others.
He graduated from prominent basic and secondary institutions in Lagos, where he got his first school leaving certificate and a West African School Certificate. He is currently enrolled as an undergraduate student at a prestigious university in southwest Nigeria.
Career
Michael began doing music at a young age, and as a teenager, he was a part of his school music band as well as his church choir. He began writing songs and performing them at school gatherings and shows. He was given the name “Ruger” by D’Prince when he was spotted by him. Ruger was signed to Jonzing World and Sony Music Entertainment UK in a joint venture with Columbia Records in January 2021.
Following the release of “One Shirt” with Rema, he was presented to the public by D’Prince. Ruger, a self-titled song from his debut EP project, PANDEMIC, was released on February 19, 2021. With the release of his debut extended play and the popular tune “Bounce,” which became his major success and reached number one on Apple Music in Nigeria and other African countries, he gained widespread exposure. On November 19, 2021, he released The Second Wave, his second extended play, which was produced entirely by Kukbeats.
Personal Life
Ruger, formerly known as Mikki Drey, doesn’t reveal much about his personal life. He is currently single and unmarried. He lives in a Lagos flat that his label has leased for him. He owns a fantastic ride that was given to him by his label.
In an interview with Max FM, Ruger stated that he is not blind, explaining that he is covering one of his eyes to respect someone. When pressed to explain further, he added that mentioning it or even talking about it is already disrespecting that person.
He’s presently signed to Jonzing World, which is affiliated with Don Jazzy’s Mavin Records with music sensations like Rema, Magixx, Ayra Starr, Korede Bello, Johnny Drille, Boy Spyce, Ladipoe, and Crayon, among others.
Songs
- Bounce
- Abu Dhabi
- Bow
- Yekpa
- Monalisa
- Ruger
- Lock Down
- Pandemic (EP)
Awards and Nominations
| Year | Award Ceremony | Award Description | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | AFRIMA | Best Artiste, Duo or Group in African Reggae, Ragga or Dancehall | Nominated |
| 2021 | AFRIMA | Most Promising African Artiste | Nominated |
| 2021 | AEAUSA Awards | Best New Artist | Nominated |
| 2021 | AEAUSA Awards | Best Reggae/Dancehall Act | Nominated |
Net Worth
Ruger is a young Nigerian singer and songwriter on the rise. He is thought to have a net worth of about $250,000.
