Multi-talented singer Ruger has voiced his frustration over the state of the Nigerian music industry, where he believes money has overshadowed true talent.
Taking to his X account, he lamented that “no matter how shit an artist is, once there’s money for hype, Otilo,” expressing his disappointment over the dominance of heavily promoted artists with substantial resources.
Ruger’s post highlights a growing issue in the industry, as other artists, like BNXN, have similarly pointed out that talented musicians often struggle for visibility amid the soaring costs of promotion and production. 
The current state of Nigerian music has sparked concern from industry insiders and commentators alike, who worry about a “diminishing return” with fewer breakout stars and high production costs.
The challenges are evident, with Afrobeat’s global popularity raising the stakes and costs, as Timaya noted, with music videos now running as high as 100 million naira.
Nonetheless, Ruger urged artists to keep pushing, emphasizing the importance of resilience and artistry.
Crediting his own success to his dynamic stage presence, Ruger said, “I bring my whole fucking personality on stage; it’s not a joke.”
The singer remains focused on his upcoming sophomore album, “Blown Boy”, with a new single, “Toma Toma”, set for release on November 15.
