Ruger Kills His BlownBoy RU Tour In NYC
Following the release of his latest album, BlownBoy RU, which was released in March 2025, Nigerian singer-songwriter Ruger has kicked off the US leg of his international tour this month. The third concert on his tour list– the first two being in Philadelphia and Boston respectively – was held at The Brooklyn Monarch on April 6th which marked his grand return to New York City for the first time in years.
The night opened with DJ Buka’s set filled with afro beats and dancehall tunes as the audience began to fill the venue and then followed an array of opening acts getting the growing crowd warmed up and whining for Ruger’s anticipated performance.
Just as Ruger – whose real name is Michael Adebayo Olayinka – was set to come out on stage, the microphone was taken away by a member of the crew and replaced with a blinged out, pink diamond encrusted microphone which perfectly matched his neon pink buzzcut.
As the crowd gradually moved as close as possible to the stage with their phones recording with flash, he walked onto the stage sporting a violet Avirex Icon Jacket, black denim jeans with blue and pink beading on the sides, black boots, and a belt with “Faith” written across the buckle.
Credit to @Princechin_
The “Asiwaju” singer immediately made his presence known with his strong vocal projection and agility to sing and dance – making women in the audience gush as he performed with his two fluid and captivating dancers, Kayla Mone’t and Angeline Lala.
Whether it be by charming his fans with stories about being single for a year and dating a girl for two months before she got his name tattooed on her thigh, serenading a fan while gently looking in her eyes and caressing her face, or bringing fans on stage for a lap dance, Ruger’s stage presence is undeniable and makes him stand out as an entertainer.
Standouts from the show are the points where he would emotionally sing a cappella including when he had the ladies repeat affirmations such as “I am beautiful the way I am” and ensuring that they do not need to change (as he likes a woman with stretch marks).
Credit to @Princechin_
Watching Ruger perform evoked a sense of togetherness among himself and the audience which made the intimate Brooklyn Monarch venue even more intimate. He captivates a room with his swagger, impact, and vulnerability while commanding it through flirtation, humor, and passion for his craft as an artist.
Ruger’s USA tour runs from now through May until he begins his European tour starting May 17th.