Why I want my colleagues to see me as threat – Ruger reveals

In a recent episode of the Afrobeats Podcast hosted by Adesope Olajide, prominent Nigerian musician Michael Adebayo Olayinka, well known as Ruger, discussed his desire to be regarded as a “threat” among his peers in the music industry.

The singer, best known for his hit single ‘Asiwaju,’ underlined the importance of leaving an impression in a competitive industry like music.

Ruger’s hit song ‘Asiwaju’ has gained popularity due to its brazen and braggadocious lyrics, which feature a combination of Pidgin and Yoruba.

Ruger revealed the track’s inspiration during the podcast conversation, noting that it was a highly personal message for him.

During the conversation, Ruger also revealed that he has come to realize that only a few people in the industry truly support him for who he is.

He singled out rapper Dremo as the only friend he has in the music industry.

In his words;

“It [‘Asiwaju’] is everything. It’s a viby song. It’s also a personal message because I don’t want anyone to look at me as not dangerous.

“When people don’t see you as a threat, it’s bad. There are a lot of artists that are in that category. Sorry and it’s bad, honestly. When you are about to release music and nobody is shaking; you announced a single/project release date and nobody is bothered. It’s really bad.

“You’ve to make yourself a threat. People have to anticipate your release whether it’s good or bad. That’s the level I’m on right now. It’s deliberate. I want my colleagues to see me as a threat. You can’t be a softy. You either be a monster or you be food. Many people are foods right now. The music business taught be to be hard. It’s not all love, mehn. I can’t lie to you. Just follow your own pace and be that monster.”