Nigerian Afrobeats star Michael Adebayo, known as Ruger, has expressed frustration over the absence of authentic friendships in the Nigerian music industry, citing competition and envy as barriers. In a podcast interview with Zero Conditions on Saturday, June 21, Ruger shared his struggles to form meaningful connections with peers.
Ruger, 25, whose 2025 album Blownboy Ru topped charts, said, “Everyone’s out for themselves; it’s hard to find real friends in this game,”. He referenced strained interactions with unnamed artists, attributing tensions to rivalry over streaming numbers and awards. Ruger, with his own self-made label, Blownboy Records, contrasted his experience with global stars like Wizkid and Burna Boy, who he said offered mentorship.
The comments sparked debate, with some artists like Joeboy defending the industry’s camaraderie. Fans linked Ruger’s remarks to his 2023 exit from D’Prince’s label, though he denied specific grudges. Analysts note Nigeria’s $2 billion music industry fosters competition, with 500 active artists vying for dominance, per PwC data, highlighting Ruger’s call for unity.