Ruger Reveals Industry Fallout After Exit from Jonzing World

Nigerian singer Michael Adebayo Olayinka, known professionally as Ruger, has opened up about the backlash he faced after leaving his former record label, Jonzing World, in 2024.

Speaking on the Afrobeats Intelligence podcast, Ruger said the decision to part ways with the D’Prince-led label nearly derailed his career, as fans and industry colleagues distanced themselves and labeled him ungrateful.

“After leaving the label, there were a lot of comments,” he said. “Some said, ‘This is your last tour,’ ‘You’re finished.’ Many people didn’t want to associate with me. Even those in the same industry distanced themselves. It happens.”

Ruger noted that the fallout forced him to rebuild his image and reintroduce himself to key industry players. “It was stressful,” he admitted. “It’s not easy to leave a label. You have to build your own system. It felt like starting all over again.”

Despite the difficulties, the singer credited his inner strength for helping him persevere. “I was also down, but I was still strong inside. I triumphed,” he said.

Following his departure, Ruger launched his own imprint, Blown Boy Entertainment, taking full control of his career. Known for hits like Bounce and Dior, he continues to carve out his path independently in the Afrobeats scene.