Nigerian singer and songwriter Ruger speaks during Eye Radio's Soundtrack Show (Photo: Lou Nelson/Eye Radio).

Nigerian Afrobeat singer and songwriter Ruger, says he has come to know that South Sudan is an amazing place, and not as bad as described in the outside world.

The 22-year-old, who has risen from a church choir to a global superstar in just two years, landed in Juba on Monday ahead of his show on October 15.

In an interview on Eye Radio’s Soundtrack Show, Ruger said he has longed to see South Sudan for a long time.

“I am very happy because this is a country I have wanted to come to for a long time. There is this perception going on around South Sudan about no peace, all of that. But like since when I came, everything is just different,” he said.

“Everywhere is looking beautiful and everyone is peaceful, and the reception has been nice. So, I am very happy to be here, and I am hopeful for a very amazing show on the 15^th.”

Ruger said his coming to the world’s youngest nation is a good impression on his reputation and the industry.

“Definitely, it is a good one for my reputation, and it is a good one for the culture, and I am happy with what I have seen so far. And I know that the country is going to go far because, in the span of a few years, it has come this far, and I feel like another person that is going to bring more life to this country, and I am so happy to be here.”

Known by his full name Michael Adebayo Olayinka, he came into the limelight in 2021 after signing a record deal with D’Prince Jonzing’s world record, with a publishing and distribution deal with Colombian Records.

On the 4th of March 2021, he released his debut Extended Play Pandemic.

“Bounce”, became a major hit song from Pandemic EP, and debuted at number 39 on the top 50 chart. In the same year, it debuted at number 20, on the TurnTable End of the Year chart.

On 19 November 2021, he released his second EP, titled The Second Wave, and was led by “Dior” from the EP, which peaked at number 32 on the Top 50 chart, and number 15 on the UK Afrobeats Singles Chart.

“Ruger means the gun, because I shoot for the stars, aiming targets in my dream to be the biggest in Africa and the world very soon,” said the singer.

Asked to contemplate whether he had anticipated reaching that far, Ruger said he has not yet achieved what he attained at the peak of his music career.

“This is just the tip of the iceberg. This is just a little of what I know I can achieve. Because my growth has been very amazing,” he said.

“And I am going to make it amazing, and what I am doing is making it bigger and bigger every blessed year,” he said.

Born in 23 September 1999, Ruger started music at a very tender age, and was a member of his school music band as a teenager and also a member of his church choir.

He began composing songs and performing at shows and school functions. After he was discovered by D’Prince, he was named “Ruger” by D’Prince himself.

“I don’t feel like there is a big challenge anymore, coz African music has gone global, and everyone is trying to tap into what we are doing.”

“So, what matters the most is the love that Africans are showing their own. You understand, and the love is massive, so I don’t see any challenge. It is just for you as an artist to have the right attitude toward your craft, toward the crowd, and towards your fans.”

All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) nominated Ruger for Best Artiste, Duo or Group in African Reggae, Ragga or Dancehall, and Most Promising African Artiste of the year.

He has also been nominated by the African Entertainment Awards USA for Best New Artist and Best Reggae or Dancehall Act of the year award.