Nigerian singer-songwriter Ruger is back with a highly anticipated sophomore album, BlownBoy Ru—a 13-track project that further cements his place as a leading force in Afrodancehall. Featuring chart-topping singles like ‘Jay Jay’, the infectious ‘Toma Toma’ ft. Tiwa Savage, and the Kranium-assisted ‘DuDu’, the album arrives just after Ruger’s electrifying COLORS performance of ‘Toro,’ which went viral across social media platforms.

A Bold Evolution in Sound

Following his 2023 debut album, Ru The World, Ruger’s latest effort expands on his globally beloved Afrodancehall sound while showcasing his artistic growth. Speaking to Guardian Music, he reflects on his evolution:

“With Ru The World, I was proving a point—showing people that I’m not just a hitmaker but an artist with depth and range. But on this album, I feel more comfortable in my artistry. My songwriting has evolved; my lyrics are more intentional, my delivery more refined. I still have that raw energy, but now it’s calculated.”

BlownBoy Ru explores themes of love, enjoyment, self-reflection, and living life to the fullest, blending elements of Afrobeats, R&B, pop, dancehall, and even Fuji music. Ruger remains committed to breaking genre boundaries, stating:

“I never want to be boxed into one sound. My music has always been a blend—Afrobeats, Dancehall, R&B, even Pop. On this album, I just let myself be free.”

Standout Tracks & Collaborations

The album delivers a diverse sonic experience, with standout tracks including:

  • ‘Give Away’ ft. Zlatan – A hard-hitting trap-infused banger showcasing Ruger’s rap versatility.
  • ‘Runaway’ ft. Haile – A soulful Amapiano track featuring Ugandan singer-songwriter Haile.
  • ‘Toma Toma’ ft. Tiwa Savage – A high-energy anthem that has already amassed 30 million global streams.

Anticipation for BlownBoy Ru has been building since late 2024, with ‘Toma Toma’ becoming a streaming sensation and January’s ‘Jay Jay’—a tribute to football icon Jay-Jay Okocha—racking up 234K Spotify streams on its first day. The track also exploded on TikTok, amassing over 50 million views.

Global Recognition & Industry Milestones

Ruger’s rising status has earned him:

  • A feature on Spotify’s Global Artists to Watch 2025 list.
  • A 2025 MOBO Award nomination for Best African Music Act.
  • A debut BBC 1Xtra Live Lounge performance, solidifying his international appeal.

A Trailblazer in Afrodancehall

Describing his sound as Afrodancehall, Ruger has built an impressive catalog of hits, including:

  • ‘Asiwaju’ – #1 in Nigeria, 130M YouTube views, 155M Spotify streams, 1M TikTok creations.
  • ‘Toma Toma’ ft. Tiwa Savage – A streaming juggernaut.
  • ‘Girlfriend’ – 133M YouTube views, 75M Spotify streams.
  • ‘Dior,’ ‘Bounce,’ and ‘We We’ – Further solidifying his Afrodancehall dominance.

Beyond his solo success, Ruger has also collaborated with superstar artists like Rema, BNXN, Clean Bandit, David Guetta & Anne-Marie, making him a sought-after global talent.

With BlownBoy Ru, Ruger is proving that he’s not just a hitmaker but a versatile artist with staying power. The album is a testament to his artistic maturity and ever-evolving sound, setting the stage for an exciting new chapter in his career.