“I Was Cancelled, But I Triumphed” — Ruger Opens Up About Life After Jonzing World, Cancel Culture, and His Comeback Journey 🎤

Afrobeats sensation Ruger, real name Michael Olayinka, is getting real about the hard-hitting challenges he faced after leaving Jonzing World — the label that introduced him to fame.

In a candid conversation on the Afrobeats Intelligence Podcast, Ruger revealed how his exit from the label in 2024 led to being blacklisted by some fans and distanced by industry colleagues, painting a picture of the emotional and professional weight that follows artists who choose independence.

🗣️ “I Had to Reintroduce Myself”

“After leaving the label, there were a lot of comments… Some people said ‘You’re finished,’ ‘This is your last tour.’ Many people didn’t want to associate with me. It happens — especially in Nigeria, where leaving a label is seen as being ungrateful,” Ruger shared.

According to him, the public perception of label exits in Nigeria is often one-sided, with the artist seen as rebellious or difficult, regardless of the circumstances.

He said the cancel culture was real and left him starting over from scratch — building a new team, managing operations independently, and regaining trust.

🧠 Ruger’s Mental Battle: “I Was Down, But Still Strong”

“It’s stressful. I’m not going to lie. It’s not easy to leave a label. But I was strong inside… and I triumphed.”

That strength birthed Blown Boy Entertainment, his independent imprint, which now serves as the base for his evolving artistry and business. He’s not only rebuilding — he’s redefining.

💬 Our Take: The Price of Freedom

Ruger’s story is a bold reminder that independence in the music industry is not glamorous — it’s gritty.

While the Jonzing World split was painted as a fallout, what we’re now hearing is the emotional cost of choosing your path in an industry that thrives on loyalty to powerful names.

But what makes Ruger’s journey inspiring is that he didn’t just complain — he created. He turned rejection into reinvention.

And for fans wondering if he's still got it — the energy, the sound, the voice? Ruger is proving that you can be blacklisted and still blast your way back to the top.

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