In a recent interview, Ruger discussed the controversy surrounding Mohbad’s premature demise.
Mohbad’s uneasy connection with Naira Marley, the head of his former record label Marlian Records, led to many unanswered concerns following his passing. Mohbad had an unpleasant and bitter disagreement with Marlian Records before his sad death, accusing them repeatedly of stealing his music rights and owing him money.
Ruger talked about the importance of fans in an artist’s career and implied that Mohbad’s emotional state prior to his demise may have been influenced by them. He emphasized that fans are also somewhat accountable for an artist’s well-being.
Numerous followers of Mohbad’s music reportedly stopped listening to his albums once he left Marlian Records.
After artists leave their record labels, Ruger suggested that if fans still show their affection and support for them, it will keep them from feeling melancholy and will inspire them to keep making music.
Ruger also brought up a disturbing issue: some fans have been known to argue with an artist’s family and close friends when difficulties occur because of their ardor for the artist. Ruger argued that this practice could make an artist’s emotional and mental state even worse.
Nigerians have reacted in various ways to Ruger’s assertion. Some can relate to his viewpoint because they see how important fan support is to an artist’s career. Others, however, have condemned him because they think that if he has nothing constructive to say, he should be quiet.