Ruger Reveals Industry Blacklisting After Split from Jonzing World

Afrobeats sensation Michael Olayinka, popularly known as Ruger, has shared his experience of being blacklisted by industry stakeholders and fans following his controversial exit from Jonzing World, a record label once affiliated with Mavin Records.

In a candid revelation during an episode of the Afrobeats Intelligence Podcast, Ruger opened up about the challenges he faced after parting ways with the label. The singer noted that the fallout not only affected his relationship with fans but also isolated him from many colleagues within the music industry.

“After I left Jonzing World, the backlash was intense,” Ruger explained. “People had all kinds of things to say. I saw comments like ‘this is your last tour,’ ‘you’re finished,’ ‘you’re done for.’ It was overwhelming.”

Ruger explained that a common narrative in Nigeria’s entertainment industry is that an artist who leaves their label is often seen as ungrateful, which automatically creates a negative perception around the artist, regardless of the actual reason for their departure.

“Once you leave a label, people automatically assume you’re ungrateful,” he said. “This public sentiment discourages others—especially in the same industry—from associating with you.”

The talented artist noted that the resulting cancel culture made his journey back into the music scene a difficult one. With bridges seemingly burned and support networks diminished, Ruger said he had to start from scratch, reconnecting with people and rebuilding his brand almost entirely on his own.

“I was literally reintroducing myself all over again. I had to reach out to people, explain myself, and restart. It wasn’t easy. I felt the weight of being cancelled. But despite the emotional and professional stress, I kept going. I was hurting, but I stayed strong inside,” Ruger shared.

Despite the odds, Ruger’s resilience has paid off. He used the hardship as fuel to establish his own record label, Blown Boy Entertainment, in 2024. This move came after a reported disagreement with his former label boss, D’Prince, which marked the final straw in their working relationship.

Since launching Blown Boy Entertainment, Ruger has continued to push his musical vision independently. His story reflects not only the struggles that many artists face behind the scenes but also the determination and reinvention it takes to stay relevant after a major industry fallout.

Key Takeaway

Ruger’s journey is a stark reminder of the complex politics within the Nigerian music industry, especially for artists who try to break away from established labels. His story encourages independence, resilience, and the importance of mental strength in the face of adversity.