Nigerian Afrobeats singer Ruger has reacted after a female TikTok user openly wished him dead while criticising his music.
The controversy began after the TikTok user described one of Ruger’s songs as “misogynistic and homophobic”.
In a video that subsequently went viral on social media, she expressed her displeasure with the singer and his music.
Speaking in Pidgin English, the woman said: “Ruger gats die na the only thing wey fit help my mental health.”
Her statement quickly attracted attention online, with the death wish becoming a major part of the conversation surrounding her criticism of Ruger’s music.
Ruger later came across the video and responded through his X account. Rather than ignoring the comment, the singer shared the video with his followers and questioned whether he should be given some leeway for responding to what he described as a serious personal attack.
“I think I get a pass for her wishing me dead,” Ruger wrote.
He subsequently criticised the TikTok user over her comments and made a personal remark about her physical appearance.
“I think I get a pass for her wishing me dead. So apologies to the feminists and body positivity activists. But this girl is worried about the wrong thing. Instead, of her to be worried about her high intake of okpa. She is on the verge of getting a triple chin,” he added.
Ruger’s response has generated mixed reactions across social media, with Nigerians debating whether the singer was justified in responding to the death wish or whether he went too far by commenting on the woman’s body.
While some social media users defended Ruger, arguing that wishing death on another person should not be treated as ordinary criticism, others condemned his response and described his comments about the woman’s appearance as unnecessary.
The controversy has once again highlighted the difference between celebrity criticism and online harassment, particularly in an era where musicians and other public figures regularly interact directly with fans and critics on social media.
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Criticism of music is common, and artists are often exposed to negative reactions when their songs or lyrics touch on controversial subjects. However, telling someone that they should die goes beyond simply expressing dissatisfaction with their creative work.
At the same time, Ruger’s response has raised questions about how celebrities should react when faced with extreme online comments.
Some fans believe public figures should ignore provocative remarks, while others argue that celebrities have the right to defend themselves when online users cross personal boundaries.
The incident also reflects the increasingly heated nature of discussions surrounding gender, sexuality and popular music.
The TikTok user reportedly objected to elements of Ruger’s song, describing them as misogynistic and homophobic. Her criticism subsequently became intertwined with her controversial statement about the singer’s death.
Ruger has established himself as one of Nigeria’s prominent Afrobeats artists, gaining international attention through songs such as “Bounce,” “Dior,” “Asiwaju” and “Girlfriend.” His music and public persona have frequently generated conversations among fans and critics.
The singer has also developed a strong online presence, where he regularly interacts with his audience and comments on trending issues.
The latest exchange demonstrates how quickly disagreements between musicians and social media users can escalate into viral controversies.
For many observers, the bigger issue is whether public criticism should ever involve death wishes and personal attacks. While artists remain open to criticism of their music, many argue that criticism should focus on the work rather than threaten the individual behind it.
Ruger’s decision to respond has therefore divided public opinion, with some people supporting his defence against the death wish and others questioning the nature of his counterattack.
As the video continues to circulate online, the controversy has become another example of the complicated relationship between Nigerian celebrities, social media critics, and online audiences.
