Ruger Releases ‘Blown Boy Ru’: A Bold Evolution of His Afrodancehall Sound
Nigerian music sensation Ruger has returned with his highly anticipated sophomore album, Blown Boy Ru, released on March 28. The album serves as a follow-up to his 2023 debut Ru The World and marks a significant leap in his artistic journey. With Blown Boy Ru, Ruger expands his globally acclaimed Afrodancehall sound, blending various influences while showcasing his growth as a musician.
While his signature energy remains intact, the artist acknowledges a shift in his approach. Speaking about his evolution, Ruger reflected on the contrast between his debut and the new album:
“With Ru The World, I was proving a point, showing people that Ruger is 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, with more intentional lyrics, delivery, and emotions I’m passing across. I still have that raw energy, but now it’s refined, more calculated.”
A Sonically Diverse Album
Blown Boy Ru dives into themes of love, enjoyment, self-reflection, and living life to the fullest. Ruger’s refusal to be confined to a single genre is evident throughout the album, as he fuses elements of R&B, pop, Afrobeats, dancehall, and even Fuji.
“I never want to be boxed into one sound. My music has always been a blend of influences—Afrobeats, Dancehall, R&B, and even Pop. I just let myself be free on this album.”
Some standout tracks from the album include:
- ‘Give Away’ – A trap-infused collaboration with Nigerian rapper Zlatan.
- ‘Runaway’ – An Amapiano-tinged track featuring Ugandan soul singer-songwriter Haile.
- ‘Toma Toma’ – A high-energy anthem with Afrobeats queen Tiwa Savage, which has already amassed over 30 million global streams.
- ‘DuDu’ – A smooth and sensual collaboration with Jamaican dancehall star Kranium.
Ruger’s Global Tour
Following the album’s release, Ruger is set to embark on a major US and European tour, with stops at iconic venues such as Philadelphia’s Brooklyn Bowl, Thalia Hall in Chicago, and Brussels’ Ancienne Belgique. He will also return to the UK in September, headlining shows at Manchester’s O2 Ritz, Birmingham’s O2 Institute, and London’s Indigo at The O2.
With Blown Boy Ru, Ruger solidifies his position as one of the most dynamic artists in the Afrobeats scene, pushing boundaries and further cementing his global appeal.
