HARDBALL & SOFT PUNS: a review of Ruger’s Asiwaju

A skilled creative understands the magic of timely art. This is one thing, beyond the magnetic melody, that Ruger got right with Asiwaju.

Eulogies are not new in the Nigerian music scene — more recently, with modern culture, self-adulation. Ruger’s new song sets a foot on each tread.

Asiwaju is an affirmation track — after the virtual superiority tussle between Ruger & BNXN’s fans.

Make nobody try to test me, I no be JJC…

I’m your daddy, I’m your uncle, I’m your popsy.

I be old man, no go dey call me Gen-Z

A title is the first contact an audience has with a piece of art & the young man was sleek & on point naming this track. Asiwaju is both literal & metaphoric — a reference to an artiste balling & flying high — a portrayal of the trending events (the gaffes & goofs) surrounding a popular Nigerian political figure with the same moniker.

Hullabaloo anytime we step out…

…no man fit talk shit to me, n’ilu mi, dem go collect o

Everything about Ruger’s rhymes & puns is subtle except his brags & audacious references to a booming yahoo-yahoo business:

My oyinbo wife don show/everyday we dey run am on code/thank God the maga don pay out

Overall, this is an infectious sound produced by Kukubeats. The songwriting is fluid. The voice & delivery, as usual, are electric.

Jide Badmus

Music Enthusiast