Nigerian singer Michael Adebayo Olayinka, widely known as Ruger, has opened up about a painful memory from his childhood.
The young star, famous for hits like Toma Toma and Bounce, shared a surprising story about how his first heartbreak happened when he was just six years old. Speaking recently on The Bro Bants podcast, Ruger described how that early experience deeply affected him and shaped how he grew up.
A crush that turned into heartbreak
Ruger recalled how, as a little boy, he had a big crush on an older girl. She was someone close to his family, an “aunty” who used to tease him by calling him her “boyfriend.”
“I really believed she was my woman,” Ruger said, smiling slightly as he told the story. “I was just six years old, but I took it seriously.”
Unfortunately, that innocent feeling soon turned into heartbreak.
One day, he witnessed something that shattered his young heart. “I saw her with another man,” he said. “I saw them through the window. The man was… you know… smashing her. It broke me. I cried and cried.”
The aftermath: A lasting impact
The musician didn’t hold back in describing how that moment affected him. “It traumatised me,” he admitted. “I was just a kid, but that experience stayed with me for years.”
He explained that this early heartbreak sparked feelings of anger and confusion. “That was the moment I became toxic,” Ruger said honestly. “I didn’t understand relationships, but I already felt betrayed.”
To cope with the pain, young Ruger turned to music. “I remember I kept playing ‘Imagine That’ by Styl-Plus over and over again,” he shared. The classic Nigerian love song became his outlet as he tried to process his feelings.
A deeper look at Ruger’s journey
For fans, his story may come as a surprise. Known for his confident stage presence and bold lyrics, the singer rarely shows this vulnerable side. Yet his openness on The Bro Bants show revealed a personal layer many had never seen.
The experience also offers insight into Ruger’s music and personality. Many of his songs explore themes of love, heartbreak, and emotional struggle. While listeners may enjoy the catchy beats and smooth vocals, it’s clear that Ruger draws from deep, sometimes painful places.
Rising above early pain
Despite the rough start, he has worked hard to rise above his early pain. Over the years, he has developed into one of Nigeria’s top music talents. His unique voice, eye patch look, and hit songs have made him a standout in the Afrobeats scene.
But he doesn’t shy away from admitting his flaws. “That heartbreak shaped me in a way I didn’t expect,” he reflected. “It made me more guarded. It made me question love.”
Even as his fame grows, Ruger remains honest about his past. He often uses interviews and songs to talk about his personal journey, showing fans that success doesn’t erase old wounds.
Learning and growing
Looking back, he recognizes that his early experience taught him important lessons. “Now I know better,” he said. “I understand that love is complex, and people make mistakes.”
He encourages his fans, especially younger ones, to stay strong through heartbreak. “It’s part of life,” Ruger said. “You’ll hurt, you’ll heal, and you’ll grow.”
A message to fans
By sharing his story, he hopes to connect with others who have gone through similar pain. His honesty serves as a reminder that even stars have scars.
“I want people to know they’re not alone,” he said. “We all go through things that hurt us. But we can come out stronger on the other side.”
As Ruger continues to rise in the music world, his past remains part of his story — a reminder of where he’s been and how far he’s come. For fans, his openness adds a new layer to the artist they know and love.
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