INTERVIEW:RUGER
Ruger is back and he’s not playing it safe. With his explosive album BlownBoy Ru, the Nigerian Afro dancehall sensation is making it clear: he's not just riding the wave.
INTERVIEW BY: AMRIT KAMBO
Who is BlownBoy RU?
RUGER: BlownBoy RU is Ruger with no handbrakes. I’m not explaining or proving anymore—I’m expressing. It’s the version of me that’s tasted success, seen betrayal, handled pressure, and still came out shining. I’ve earned this name. I’m blown, but I’m still dangerous.
Sonicaly, what separates BlownBoy RU from your previous work?
RUGER: This album is a lot more fearless. I’m blending more Fuji, more R&B, more raw energy. There’s no formula—I just followed where the vibe led me. Ru The World was sharp and experimental. BlownBoy RU is deeper and dirtier—in a good way.
You’re very intentional with your lyrics, are there any bars or songs on the album that feel especially personal to you?
RUGER: Yeah, Rub Minds is very personal. That one came from a real place, about my experiences, frustrations, even things I couldn’t say before. Also on Giveaway, I talk my truth in a way I’ve never done before. If you know, you know.
Were there any songs you almost left off the album but are now glad made the cut?
RUGER: 99, to be honest. I wasn’t sure at first if people would get it, but that song has connected deeply. It’s like an emotional underdog, and it deserves to be heard.
What’s been the most surprising crowd or moment from the tour so far — any city that showed you unexpected love?
RUGER: Dallas shocked me. I knew there was love, but that crowd went mad. Word-for-word, they didn’t miss a beat, even on the new songs. It felt like a homecoming.
How has the experience of performing live evolved for you with this tour?
RUGER: It’s crazy now. I’m more comfortable commanding a stage, more aware of how to read the room. And my team’s tighter too. Every show now feels like a full-blown experience.
Is there a song from your catalogue that hits different live, compared to how it feels on the record?
RUGER: Toma Toma goes crazy live. The energy that one brings is unreal. But Girlfriend will always be that one. The screams when it drops? Goosebumps every time.
What’s the one thing you must have with you on tour — non-negotiable?
RUGER: My bed 😂😂. Jokes aside. I think just having my team with me is good enough and maybe somewhere we can order jollof Rice from. 😂
RUGER RETURNS WITH HIGHLY ANTICIPATED SOPHOMORE ALBUM ‘BLOWNBOY RU’ (Out now | Promised Land Recs)
Solidifying his place as one of the globe’s most in-demand Nigerian artists, the MOBO ‘25 nominee and Spotify ‘Artist To Watch 2025’ shares his huge 2nd album, boldly fusing afrobeats and dancehall with 13 hit tracks featuring Tiwa Savage, Kranium, Zlatan and Haile