Ruger on Making Blown Boy Ru, Getting Co-Signed by Wizkid & His New Label | Afrobeats Intelligence

Ruger on Making Blown Boy Ru, Getting Co-Signed by Wizkid & His New Label | Afrobeats Intelligence

Author: Joey Akan/OkayAfrica July 4, 2025 Duration: 1:03:22
What does it take to bounce back and build from scratch? In this new episode of Afrobeats Intelligence, Joey Akan sits with Nigerian dancehall star Ruger—the artist behind hits like Asiwaju, Girlfriend, and Toma Toma—to break down his evolution from viral sensation to label boss. Fresh off launching his label Blown Boy Entertainment and releasing his new album Blown Boy Ru, Ruger opens up about heartbreak, hate, and healing. He talks about sneaking out to study Dancehall, learning to write in Patois, and how songs like "Warning" and "Make Way" reflect his truth. He shares what it was like leaving his former label, facing doubters who said he’d fall off, and how Wizkid’s tweet gave him the push to keep going, he says after dropping "Toma Toma" with Tiwa Savage. Now running his own show, Ruger reflects on artist development, mental discipline, and why his next signee “has to be better than me.” He also breaks down his joint project with BNXN (Buju)—Romeo Must Die—and how collaboration showed a new side of him. Whether you're a fan of Afrobeats, Dancehall, or the business behind the music, this conversation cuts deep—streaming from Lagos to London, Toronto to Houston, wherever the African sound resonates. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dive deep into the rhythms and stories shaping a global movement with Afrobeats Intelligence. This isn't just a surface-level scan of the latest hits; it's a thoughtful exploration of the vast, interconnected world behind the music. Hosted by the acclaimed journalist Joey Akan, each episode pulls back the curtain on the creative and commercial forces at work across Lagos, Accra, Nairobi, Johannesburg, and beyond. You'll hear candid, revealing conversations with the artists, producers, executives, and cultural architects who are defining the sound of a continent. The podcast moves beyond the spotlight to examine the intricate ecosystem-the business deals, the cultural shifts, the personal journeys-that fuels this artistic explosion. It’s about understanding the humanity and the meticulous processes that converge to create something truly resonant. For anyone curious about the stories behind the streams, Afrobeats Intelligence offers a essential, nuanced perspective. Listen for Akan's expert guidance through interviews that feel more like insightful dialogues, unpacking not just how the music is made, but why it matters. This is where art meets analysis, providing a richer appreciation for the complexity and excellence of African music today.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Afrobeats Intelligence
Podcast Episodes
Timaya Talks Record Deals & Music Business [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:51
“The Money…” In this electrifying episode of Afrobeats Intelligence Podcast, host Joey Akan sits down with Nigerian music icon Timaya, the “Egberi Papa 1 of Bayelsa.” From dancehall-infused Afrobeats anthems like “Dem Ma…
Joeboy gets HONEST about FANS, DM's, and the REAL Music Industry [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:09:11
Joeboy gets brutally honest in this revealing long-form conversation with Joey Akan. For the first time, he breaks down his peaceful transition from emPawa Records, launching Young Legend, learning from Mr. Eazi, and bui…
S3E17: Tee-Y Mix - How To Break Street Artists The Dapper Way [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:35:19
In this episode, we sit down with Tee-Y Mix, legendary music producer turned Executive Vice President at Dapper Entertainment, for an in-depth conversation about his journey and his mission to reshape Nigeria's music sce…
S3E16: Kiing Lu - How to Sell Great Records [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:43
In this powerhouse episode of Afrobeats Intelligence, Joey Akan sits down with Lucas Emeodi, better known as Kiing Lu—a cultural entrepreneur with a "militant mindset" forged through years of navigating Nigeria’s evolvin…