Nobody Is Really Your Friend: Ruger Speaks On The Cold, Transactional Truth of the Music Industry

Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Ruger has delivered a striking dose of reality about the loneliness, disillusionment, and transactional nature of the music industry. Speaking candidly on The Stanley Agu Show, the 25-year-old singer didn’t mince words: genuine friendships are rare, and loyalty is often tied to what you can offer—not who you are.

In the revealing interview, Ruger reflected on his journey through Nigeria’s entertainment ecosystem. He spoke of relationships built not on trust or respect but on utility and opportunity:

“They are moving around with you because you can offer at that time. The moment you might not be able to offer anything, a lot of people will switch.”

According to Ruger, this cutthroat environment isn’t just about competition—it’s about survival, and everyone’s in it for what they can get. Despite achieving commercial success with hits like “Asiwaju”, Ruger reveals that his rise has come with painful lessons.

Ruger’s words echo sentiments shared by other artists globally who have spoken out about isolation at the top, where fame brings visibility but not emotional connection, the mental toll of being surrounded by people whose loyalty is tied to career momentum and the commodification of identity, where artists feel more like products than people.

This isn’t the first time Ruger has voiced skepticism about the industry’s social fabric. In earlier interviews, he described himself as a “clique of one”, and named rapper Dremo as the only true friend he has in the business.

His revelations are part of a growing narrative challenging the traditional glamorization of celebrity life. As artists become more vocal about their mental health, personal relationships, and behind-the-scenes realities, it raises critical questions:

• Is the entertainment industry doing enough to support artists beyond the music?

• How can young talents be better prepared for the emotional complexities of fame?

• What does “success” mean if it comes at the cost of trust and connection?

In a world that watches stars rise and fall with a swipe, Ruger reminds us that behind every hit song is a person navigating a minefield of facades.