Afrobeats star, Michael Adebayo Olayinka, better known as Ruger, has offered a candid assessment of the Nigerian music industry.
He says genuine friendship is a rare commodity among artistes.
Commenting on a recent episode of The Stanley Agu Show, the “Girlfriend” hit-maker said he wished someone had warned him earlier that relationships in the industry were largely transactional.
According to Ruger, an artiste is fortunate to find even two authentic friends who stand by him through both the highs and the inevitable lows of a music career.
“No one is really your friend in this industry,” he stated.
“At best you’ll have one or two people who’ll stay with you when things go bad and genuinely want to see you grow. The rest is just business.”
Ruger explained that many of the industry’s connections hinge on what an artiste could offer in the moment, be it relevance, contacts, or commercial value.
Once that perceived value fades, the alliances often dissolve just as quickly.
“People move around with you because you’re useful to them at that particular time,” he added.
“The minute you can’t offer anything, most will switch. So remember: in this line of work you might end up with two friends, one friend, or none at all.”
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The singer’s remarks have sparked discussion online
Also, fans and fellow creatives are weighing in on the reality of sustaining sincere relationships in a fiercely competitive industry.
