Apple Music’s Africa Now Radio Features Ruger

Nigerian Afrobeats artist Ruger appears on FaceTime with Nandi Madida for Apple Music 1, where he talks about his newest single, the Kranium collaboration “Dudu.” He also covers his fresh album ‘Blown Boy Ru,’ his early experiments blending Afrobeats with dancehall, and the personal nature of his tracks.

The Hottest New Tracks of the Week

Nandi Madida presents the most popular new African songs right now. The weekly lineup features fresh releases from DJ Maphorisa, Xduppy & Kabza De Small featuring Thatohatsi, Young Stunna & Nkosazana Daughter, Sun‑El Musician, Msaki & Karyendasoul, Bayanni, HEVI, and Crayon.

Listen to the complete episode this Friday, March 28, at 8 a.m. London / 9 a.m. Lagos/Paris / 10 a.m. Johannesburg / 1 a.m. LA / 4 a.m. NYC on Apple Music 1 via apple.co/_AfricaNow, and it airs on YFM Accra every Sunday at 2 p.m., YFM Kumasi on Saturdays at 3 p.m., and YFM Takoradi on Saturdays at 6 p.m.

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Ruger Explains to Apple Music Why His Tracks Are So Personal

When you examine the album, you’ll find three tracks that narrate a tale—about all my exes and every relationship I’ve experienced. I poured everything into this record because my songwriting stems from personal experience. I don’t enter the studio chasing a hit or anything; I aim to create music that connects, allowing listeners to relate.

Ruger Shares with Apple Music Why He Enjoys Performing Live

I believe only those who have witnessed my live performances can truly appreciate my voice. Even in my recordings, I don’t always showcase it fully. I feel my favorite moments as Ruger are when I’m on stage, because I can do whatever I wish with my own song. I began in a choir; I know how to sing, especially when a track resonates with me. You can see this from my COLORS performance; I even closed my eyes at one point!

Ruger Discusses with Apple Music His Blend of Afrobeats and Dancehall

At the outset of my recording career, I was producing standard Afrobeats, but I wrote a track called “Warning” during that period. I incorporated a touch of Popcaan’s melody from “Silence,” and after finishing it, I compared it to all my previous songs. I declared, “Yes, this is top‑grade.” This is what we refer to as creating something distinct from what other Afrobeats artists are doing.

Ruger Talks to Apple Music About His Strategy for Worldwide Recognition

I aim to reintroduce myself. This is set to be a global outreach for those who are unfamiliar with me. Let them know what I’ve accomplished. Let them know [about] the boy who has been touring, back‑to‑back, for four years. I’m that kid from OJ City; I’m that kid who never gives up, no matter the challenge thrown at me. I confront whatever it is, and I stand firm and stay on business. That’s why this album is different, from the rollout to the trailer and everything—I had to introduce myself and let them know.

Ruger Discusses with Apple Music the Collaborations on His Album, ‘Blown Boy Ru’

When I brought these artists onto the project, I looked at it and thought, “Yeah!” This is an incredible project and I love it wholeheartedly. I cherish everyone who worked with me on it. God bless everyone, man.

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