As the end of 2024 approaches, we will evaluate the performances of all mainstream Nigerian artists and identify those who qualify to be named the 10 leading Nigerian artists of 2024.
We will assess the artists based on various criteria, including headlining shows, tours, awards, streaming performance, and overall activity within the music industry, locally and globally.
To be included in this list, each of the 10 leading Nigerian artists must have had an outstanding year, significantly boosting their visibility and influence in the international music scene.
Number 10 on the list is Ruger.
10. Ruger
Ruger (Michael Adebayo Olayinka), was many things in 2024—a playboy, a lover, and a singer—but one thing he was not was lazy. He started the year by announcing his departure from the Jonzing World record label and officially launched his own label, “Blown Boy Ent,” in February.
Grateful for his time with Jonzing World, Ruger expressed his love and appreciation for their support in promoting his talent since he entered the Nigerian music industry in 2021.
In February, he released a freestyle titled “Blownboy” on YouTube, which quickly gained 705,000 views—a nod to the name of his new record label.
Further building excitement, Ruger teased a collaboration with BNXN (formerly known as Buju) for a track titled “Romeo Must Die.” This song would be the first of many collaborations between the two artists, including an upcoming EP.
On February 29, Ruger and BNXN released “Romeo Must Die (RMD)” across all streaming platforms, accompanied by a music video. The song achieved impressive statistics, garnering 24 million streams on Spotify and 13 million views on YouTube.
While fans were still dancing to RMD, Ruger announced in April that he would embark on a “Luv Again” Europe tour, which was set to last three months from July to September. In April, he and BNXN also dropped another single titled “POE,” which was part of their project, “RnB.”
“POE” became an immediate hit, accumulating 32 million streams on Spotify. The EP “RnB” consists of seven tracks: “POE,” “RMD,” “Bae Bae,” “Ilashe,” “Party Monster,” “Not Done,” and “Calculate Love.”
In May, Ruger added more dates to his “Luv Again” Europe tour and released merchandise. Prior to kicking off his tour in June, he released two new singles, “Luv Again” (which garnered 6.8 million streams) and “Make Way” (with 6.9 million streams).
Despite being on tour, Ruger performed at Afronation in June and participated in a worldwide dance challenge for his song “Make Way.”
On September 20, Ruger collaborated internationally with Grammy winners David Guetta, Clean Bandit and Grammy nominee Anne Marie on a remix of the song “Cry Baby,” which has received 793,000 streams. Additionally, Ruger announced a “Luv Again” Canada tour, set to run from October to November 2024.
Ruger released the track ” Lately ” in collaboration with Nigerian singer and producer Maleek Berry. He also appeared on a song with Bayanni titled “Goddess.”
Returning home in November, Ruger performed in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt before finally releasing his latest single, “Toma Toma,” featuring Tiwa Savage.
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