‘Talented Nigerian Artists Not Up to 5’ – Ruger
Popular Nigerian singer Michael Adebayo Olayinka, known as Ruger, recently made a bold statement about the state of musical talent in Nigeria. According to Ruger, there are currently fewer than five truly talented musicians in the country.
During an interview with Cool FM in Lagos, Ruger asserted that most Nigerian artists are merely creating music for entertainment rather than showcasing real talent. He emphasized that only a small number of artists, including himself, are producing quality music.
“I’m not the biggest artist in Nigeria, but talent-wise, I’m standing somewhere there. We are not up to five,” Ruger stated. “I won’t say where I am on the list, but I’m there. It’s not up to five. Most people are just singing for cruise, but we [the talented artists] make music.”
Ruger also expressed surprise at his growing popularity in Israel, revealing that he sold out a 7,000-capacity venue in the country, indicating a significant international following.
The singer’s remarks have sparked discussions about the state of the Nigerian music industry and what defines true talent in the ever-evolving landscape of Afrobeats and other genres.
