Popular Nigerian artist Michael Adebayo Olayinka, better known by his stage name Ruger, has revealed a deeply personal experience that left a lasting mark on his emotional life and shaped his approach to relationships from a very young age. According to the “Toma Toma” singer, his first heartbreak happened when he was just six years old, and the incident has haunted him well into adulthood.
During a recent appearance on The Bro Bants Show, Ruger opened up about this defining moment from his childhood, explaining how an innocent crush turned into emotional trauma that would influence his romantic behavior for years to come.
The Heartbreak That Started It All
Ruger described how he became emotionally attached to an older woman who affectionately called him her “boyfriend.” As a young child, he took her words seriously and believed there was a special bond between them. However, his innocent fantasy was shattered when he accidentally witnessed her in a compromising situation with another man.
“There was this aunty that I liked,” Ruger said. “She used to call me ‘my boyfriend.’ So, I assumed that she was my woman. I was just six years old.”
What followed, according to Ruger, was a heart-wrenching scene no child should witness.
“One day, I saw some guy smashing her through her window. The guy was tearing her up, bro. I cried. I was traumatised,” he continued.
The heartbreak led young Ruger to seek solace in music. He vividly remembers singing “Imagine That” by Styl-Plus as a way of coping with the pain.
“That was what started my toxicity. That experience broke my heart,” he added.
How It Affected His Relationships
Ruger believes that early heartbreak played a major role in shaping his emotional outlook. He confessed that as he grew older, he developed tendencies that made it difficult for him to maintain healthy romantic relationships.
Speaking in a previous interview, the singer admitted he often struggles to stay emotionally committed.
“I am a loverboy, but I’ve come to understand that relationships don’t work for me,” Ruger said. “When I see a girl, my first instinct is to think about how I can get serious with her, but eventually, I just become unserious all of a sudden.”
The singer, known for hits like “Asiwaju” and “Girlfriend,” also revealed that he has the capacity to fall in love with multiple women at the same time.
“I can fall in love with five different women at the same time. I don’t know if it’s possible for others, but I can do it. And I will actually love them, not just infatuation,” he said during an appearance on The Beat 99.9 FM Lagos.
He went on to say that even the smallest gestures, like gifts and compliments, can make him develop romantic feelings.
“It’s just easy for me to fall in love. Gifts and compliments make me develop feelings for ladies.”
From Pain to Stardom
Despite the emotional hurdles he’s faced, Ruger has successfully turned pain into power through his music. Discovered by D’Prince, Ruger signed with Jonzing World in 2021 and quickly rose to prominence with his debut EP Pandemic, which featured the chart-topping track “Bounce.”
He has since become one of Nigeria’s most consistent new-generation hitmakers, carving out a niche with his signature eye patch and fusion of dancehall, Afrobeats, and reggae influences.
Earlier in 2024, Ruger took control of his artistic direction by launching his own label, Blown Boy Entertainment, after parting ways with Jonzing World.
Healing in the Spotlight
Ruger’s willingness to talk about past emotional pain signals a shift in the openness of Nigerian artists to discuss mental health and emotional wellbeing. His story resonates with fans who may have gone through similar early-life emotional setbacks.
Though Ruger admits he still struggles with trust and commitment, sharing his truth is part of a larger journey of healing and self-awareness.
Final Thoughts
The heartbreaking story of Ruger’s childhood is more than just a shocking tale—it’s a reminder of how early life experiences can shape the way we love, trust, and connect with others. For Ruger, music became a form of therapy, and his honesty about the roots of his emotional behavior has only deepened his connection with fans.
Whether or not he finds lasting love, Ruger has already won in the game of self-expression—and in turning childhood pain into musical triumph.
