Nigerian music star Michael Olayinka, better known as Ruger, has opened up about the challenges he faced after leaving his former record label, Jonzing World.
The artist revealed that both fans and fellow music industry insiders distanced themselves from him following his controversial departure.
Ruger, who gained fame with hits like Bounce and Dior, said his exit from the label in 2024 led to what he described as a period of cancellation and rejection. In his words, many people wrote him off, predicting the end of his music career.
Ruger facing backlash from fans and industry colleagues
Speaking during a recent interview on the Afrobeats Intelligence podcast, Ruger detailed how quickly public perception changed after his split from Jonzing World. He explained that several fans and even colleagues turned their backs on him.
“After leaving the label, there were a lot of comments,” he said. “Some people were saying things like, ‘This is your last tour,’ ‘You’re finished,’ or ‘This is the end for you.’”
Ruger noted that the backlash wasn’t just from fans. According to him, some of his peers in the industry also chose to stay away.
“Not everyone wanted to help,” he continued. “In Nigeria, once you leave a label, people think you’re ungrateful. That’s the sentiment, and many don’t want to associate with someone seen that way. Even people in the same industry avoid you. It’s just how things work here.”
Starting over from scratch
Despite the negativity, Ruger made it clear that he didn’t give up. Instead, he began to rebuild everything from the ground up. He said it felt like starting his career all over again.
“I was battling cancel culture,” the singer said. “I had to go out and meet people, introduce myself again, and rebuild relationships. It was really stressful. I won’t lie, it wasn’t easy at all.”
He emphasised the emotional and mental toll the situation took on him, saying, “I was down. But somehow, I stayed strong inside. I had to build a whole new system for myself.”
Ruger described the experience as both humbling and eye-opening. He learned to rely on himself and his inner strength rather than waiting for industry approval.
Launching his own label
The singer officially parted ways with Jonzing World in early 2024. Following his exit, he launched his own independent music company, Blown Boy Entertainment. The move marked a new chapter in his career, one that he says gave him more freedom and control over his creative process.
His exit reportedly followed a fallout with Jonzing World founder and music executive, D’Prince. Though details of the disagreement remain mostly private, Ruger has since focused on carving out a path on his terms.
Bouncing back with resilience
Now running his label and continuing to release music, Ruger says he feels more empowered than ever. He credits his comeback to self-belief, hard work, and the support of true fans who stuck with him through the rough patch.
“I triumphed because I didn’t stop,” he said. “I stayed strong and kept working. Now, I’m doing what I love my way.”
Read Also: ‘Genuine friendship rare in music industry’, says Ruger
