Nigerian Afrobeats superstar Ruger set the stage ablaze at the Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival on Saturday night, delivering a headline performance on the World Beats stage that left the crowd roaring for more.
Fresh off his arrival just the day before, Ruger was instantly captivated by the nation’s vibrant energy.
“I must have made a strong impression ’cause they started showing love right from the start,” he said, laughing. “I’m very excited to get to enjoy the country. I just came in yesterday and I’m like, ‘Oh, I’m so excited’. Everyone is very nice here. I really want to come here, not just for work. Maybe have a little vacation or bring my family and friends. The people are amazing.”
Marking his debut performance in Saint Lucia, Ruger admitted he was stunned by the overwhelming reception.
“It felt so powerful, man,” he said. “I didn’t expect that kind of turnout for me. This is my first time here, so I didn’t expect them to turn up and turn out like this. Seeing everybody singing the lyrics, knowing my songs back to back – it was wild. I’ve worked so hard, and to see my music travel this far, it’s different. It’s special.”
When asked about the cultural parallels between Nigeria and Saint Lucia, Ruger’s enthusiasm was undeniable.
“The energy is the same. The vibe is the same. The smile is the same. The food? Spicy. You feel me? That’s how we like it,” he said. “It feels like home. I’m like, ‘See my brothers and sisters right now’. It’s beautiful.”
Ever the showman, Ruger shared a lighthearted moment from his set involving a devoted fan.
“On my way here from Miami, I saw her at the airport,” he recalled. “She promised me she would be front row and when I saw her I had to give her something, I had to give her my belt, you know? So that’s an amazing feeling for me.”
As his global star continues to rise, Ruger stays rooted in what drives him.
“I think first of all, God is very important to keep that momentum,” he said. “When you have God, you’ll be able to keep your head straight. I have my team, we work tirelessly. And of course, the fans. I’ve built a strong fan base. They’ve supported me for years, and I’m riding with them forever.”
Closing with a message of perseverance, Ruger left young people with words of encouragement: “First, believe in God. But also, teach yourself. Our parents can only teach us so much. When you get on the streets, you have to learn how to teach yourself. Teach yourself discipline. Teach yourself how to maintain your morals. There’s always light at the end of the tunnel. No matter what you’re going through. As long as you’re alive, there’s hope. You feel me?”
From Nigeria to the Caribbean, Ruger is proving music transcends borders – and his journey is only just getting started.