Pandemic is the debut studio EP by Nigerian singer-songwriter Ruger.[1] It was released on 4 March 2021 by Jonzing World and distributed by Columbia Records.[2] It combines elements of contemporary R&B, reggae fusion, Afrobeats, and Afropop with neo-soul percussive rhythms.[3] Pandemic received favorable reviews from critics, as Motolani Alake for Pulse Nigeria said "'Pandemic' EP is a wonderful introduction to Ruger's element."[4]
| Pandemic | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP by | ||||
| Released | 4 March 2021 (2021-03-04) | |||
| Genre |
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| Length | 20:47 | |||
| Producer | Ruger (exec.)
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| Ruger chronology | ||||
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| Singles from Pandemic | ||||
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Ruger recorded Pandemic after collaborating on "One Shirt" with Rema and their label boss, D'Prince.[5]
Pulse Picks added the EP to top 10 Nigerian albums of 2021 at number 3.[6]
Opening up with the previously recorded titular, Ruger, Pandemic is evidence that musicians innovated right before our eyes in a time when creative draughts became the norm. Pandemic is a metaphor for Ruger's music, and it also discusses Ruger's versatility and how that has impacted how his music is distributed.[7]
He possesses the fundamental lamba of an Afro-pop performer. Who else is capable of delivering the words "Whine Tsunami" and "Lodanida" with the assurance and style that come from clever lyricism, similar to an artist who is sure of his or her lamba?[8]
On "Monalisa," he says, "Make I deplete come your ozone layer, offer you tungba tungba," as if those weren't enough.[9]
| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| Pulse Nigeria | 7.9/10 |
In a review for OkayAfrica, they wrote that ‘Ruger has been the most courageous new artist in 2021. No other afrobeats musician has attracted attention and claimed a claim to be heard like he has with his pink hair, left eye patch, seductive swagger, and lyrics like "Ruger is the lockdown, Ruger is the pandemic."[10]
In a Review for Pulse Nigeria, Motolani Alake said "Superstars may be distinguished from average performers by their delivery, and Ruger has it in spades. It would most certainly not be for lack of intelligence or ability if he fails to succeed at Jonzing/Sony UK.[11]
Ruger was created to be a combination of a Reggae-Fusion-Afro-pop musician. He possesses the temperament, wit, and deft delivery of a Reggae-Fusion performer like Prince Swanny.[12]
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Ruger" | Michael Adebayo Olayinka | 3:17 |
| 2. | "Abu Dhabi" | Michael Adebayo Olayinka | 3:19 |
| 3. | "Bow" | Michael Adebayo Olayinka | 2:45 |
| 4. | "Monalisa" | Michael Adebayo Olayinka | 3:43 |
| 5. | "Bounce" | Michael Adebayo Olayinka | 3:04 |
| 6. | "Yekpa" | Michael Adebayo Olayinka | 3:29 |
| Total length: | 20:47 | ||
Credits adapted from Spotify.[13]
| Region | Date | Format | Version | Label | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Various | 4 March 2021 | CD, digital download | Standard |
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[14] |