Ruger Decries Money’s Rise Over Talent in Nigerian Music Industry

Nigerian artist Ruger has voiced his disappointment with the current state of the music industry, stating that money now overshadows raw talent.

Taking to his X account, Ruger expressed frustration over how financially backed artists can easily gain popularity, often at the expense of talented ones.

“The music scene has been hurting me coz no matter how bad an artist is, once there’s money for hype, Otilo,” he shared, pointing to how resourceful artists seem to dominate, regardless of skill level.

Ruger’s perspective echoes sentiments shared by fellow artists like BNXN, who have also commented on the lack of support for genuinely talented musicians.

Many critics in 2024 have raised concerns about the direction of the Nigerian music industry, with some describing it as being in “diminishing returns.” They cite the shortage of standout records and the absence of a breakout star as key indicators.

The high cost of music promotion and video production has been identified as a contributing factor to the problem. With the global rise of Afrobeats, the expense of quality production has soared.

Recently, Timaya noted that shooting a music video now costs up to 100 million naira, which makes it increasingly challenging for emerging artists with limited resources.

In a separate post, Ruger attributed his consistent bookings to his dynamic performances, claiming he brings “his whole personality on stage,” which sets him apart and enhances his appeal.

He emphasized that his success isn’t just about singing but about delivering a full-stage experience that connects with audiences.