“I have a unique sound, and I’ve always wanted to do things differently – Ruger

Nigerian artist Ruger has expressed his frustration with the current state of the Nigerian music scene, stating that it has been “hurting” him in recent times. In an emotional interview, Ruger, known for his distinctive sound that blends Afrobeat, reggae, and dancehall, shared his thoughts on the challenges he has faced in the Nigerian music industry and how the environment has impacted his career.

Ruger, who rose to prominence with hits like *Ruger*, *Dior*, and *Bounce*, has been one of the most promising talents in the Nigerian music scene over the past few years. However, despite his success, the artist has revealed that he has often felt alienated by the industry’s dynamics, which he believes are not always conducive to nurturing talent or supporting creativity.

In the interview, Ruger opened up about the pressures and challenges he has experienced in navigating an industry that he feels is often more focused on clout, popularity, and commercial success than on artistic integrity. “It hurts me to see the direction the music scene is going in. It feels like the emphasis is less on genuine talent and more on who is the loudest or most controversial,” Ruger said, reflecting his frustrations with a culture he believes is not in tune with real artistry.

The singer elaborated on the challenges of standing out in an overcrowded market. With the rise of new artists every year, Ruger admitted that it has become increasingly difficult to maintain relevance. He explained that while the Nigerian music industry is full of talent, it often feels like only a select few get the attention or opportunities they deserve, while others struggle to gain recognition despite having unique sounds and fresh ideas.

“I have a unique sound, and I’ve always wanted to do things differently, but sometimes it feels like being different isn’t always celebrated here,” Ruger shared. He emphasized that it can be demoralizing when an artist’s originality is overlooked in favor of trends or quick commercial success. Despite this, Ruger has stayed committed to his style and creative vision, even though he has sometimes felt sidelined by the mainstream.

Additionally, Ruger expressed concerns about the industry’s lack of support for up-and-coming artists, particularly those who do not follow the mainstream path. He highlighted how new talent often struggles to find platforms to showcase their music unless they conform to what is currently popular. This has led him to question the true value of success in the industry and whether it is truly about artistic achievement or about meeting the right commercial criteria.

In response to these challenges, Ruger has made a conscious effort to stay true to himself, even if it means facing adversity. “I just want to make the music that resonates with me and my fans. Whether I have to take the long route or not, I will keep doing it. If my music reaches the right people and makes them feel something, then that is success to me,” he explained.

Ruger also took the opportunity to discuss the broader issues affecting Nigerian artists, such as the lack of adequate infrastructure and support systems. He pointed out that many artists, despite their talent, struggle to access resources that can help them grow or improve their craft. “The system is flawed. There’s not enough support for artists beyond just the music,” he said, highlighting the lack of institutional backing for musicians in areas like mental health, legal support, and career management.

Despite his frustrations, Ruger remains hopeful about the future of Nigerian music. He acknowledged that while the industry faces challenges, it is also filled with immense potential and creativity. “There’s so much talent in Nigeria, and I believe that if we continue to push and stay true to ourselves, we can change things for the better,” he added.

In conclusion, Ruger’s comments shed light on the internal struggles many Nigerian artists face as they try to navigate an industry that often prioritizes marketability over artistry. While he expressed his disappointment with the current state of affairs, Ruger’s resolve to stay authentic to his music and vision reflects the resilience of many artists in the face of adversity. His sentiments serve as a call for change, urging the industry to reconsider its priorities and place more value on true creativity and artistic expression.