Nigerian Afrobeats singer Michael Adeayo Olayinka, popularly known as Ruger, has assured his fans of his safety following disturbances between Israel and Palestine.
Media reports indicate that Israel and Hamas are locked in a new cycle of escalating violence after a surprise attack on Saturday involving aerial, sea, and ground operations, initiated by the Palestinian group from the Gaza Strip.
However, the Bounce hitmaker, who has been performing in Israel, took to his X account (Twitter) to announce that the war began shortly after he and his team had left Tel Aviv.
While calming nerves with his tweet, he asked his followers to pray for peace in the world, extending condolences to affected persons.
The Asiwaju crooner’s X post read, “Israel is at war now, and it’s very sad. It started as soon as I and my team took off from Tel Aviv to head back home. So guys!!! I really appreciate your concern. I’m safe. But please, we need peace in the world right now!!! We don’t want innocent people dying we just want to LIVE AND LOVE #prayforisrael. LOVE YOU O.”
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Prior to his post, he had shown appreciation to his fans for the love shown him in Israel.
“Being shown love all the way in ISRAEL is RARE and I’m really grateful for it – I’ve received more love, respect, and recognition outside my country, and I’ve made peace with that. I’m so happy to be back on the road doing what I love, seeing the people who love me and giving them back my love and dedication. I pray God continues to give me the strength and success to keep making dem nay sayers mad. THANK YOU ISRAEL,” the Asiwaju hitmaker
Some of his fans responded positively saying they were glad the “Red Flags” crooner was doing well.
“I’m glad to hear that you are safe, and your concern for peace is deeply appreciated. It’s indeed heartbreaking to see conflict and violence anywhere in the world. The desire for peace and the well-being of innocent people are sentiments shared by many. Let’s hope for a swift resolution to conflicts and a more peaceful world where people can live and love without fear,” one follower wrote.
Ruger came into lime-light in 2021 after he signed a record deal with D’Prince “Jonzing World Record” with a publishing and distribution deal with Columbia Records and Sony Music Entertainment, UK division.
On 4 March 2021, he released his debut EP Pandemic. He was nominated for Most Promising African Artiste at the 2021 All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) Awards.
Apart from his Afrobeats songs such as WeWe, BunBun, JozingBoy, he has a 2023 collaboration with Nigerian DJ and record producer, Dj Neptune, titled Bienvenue.