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Runtown

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Runtown
Runtown in 2018
Background information
Birth nameDouglas Jack Agu
Born (1989-08-19) 19 August 1989 (age 35)[1]
OriginEnugu State, Nigeria
GenresR&B,[2] Afro-fusion, hip hop, reggae
Occupation(s)Singer, songwriter, producer
InstrumentVocals
Years active2010–present
LabelsSoundgod Music Group

Douglas Jack Agu (born 19 August 1989), better known by his stage name Runtown, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and producer. His music is a blend of Afrobeats, hip-hop, R&B, and reggae. He gained initial recognition with his song "Gallardo (2014)" featuring Davido. He achieved international recognition with his 2016 single "Mad Over You", The song's success led to a remix by Nigerian-Bajan artist Mr Eazi, further expanding its reach.

Mad Over You emerged from Runtown's debut studio album Soundgod Fest Vol. 1 and debuted at number 38 on the Billboard Twitter Top Tracks chart, marking the singer's first appearance.[3]

Early life

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Runtown was born on 19 August 1989 in Enugu the capital city of Enugu State in the southeastern region of Nigeria but grew up partly in Abuja the federal capital territory of Nigeria and in Lagos State in southwestern Nigeria, where he finished his primary education. After the death of his father, he moved to Abuja with his mother, who was working in the Ministry of Health.[4]

Music career

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2010–2014: Early Beginnings and Breakthrough

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In 2014, Runtown released "Gallardo", featuring vocals from Davido. The track served as the lead single from his debut studio album, Ghetto University.[5] "Gallardo" achieved commercial success and won the "Best Collaboration of the Year" award at the 2014 edition of the Nigeria Entertainment Awards.[6]

In the same year, media reports suggested that Runtown was involved in writing the song "Aye" for Davido. Addressing these rumors in an interview with the Nigerian Tribune, Runtown stated, "A lot of people have been asking me that question. Davido has had several interviews where he addressed how the song came about. So if you want to learn more about 'Aye,' ask Davido or read his interviews."[7]

2015–2017: Ghetto University and International Success

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Main articles: Mad Over You and Ghetto University

On 23 November 2015, Runtown released his debut studio album titled Ghetto University via MTN Music Plus through Eric Many Entertainment.[8] The album generated over ₦35million on the music portal thus earning him a spot in the list of "Top 5 Most Streamed Artist".[9]

On 4 November 2016, Runtown released the ballad "Mad Over You", which charted at number 38 on the Billboard Twitter Top Tracks chart.[10][11] Joey Akan from Pulse Nigeria described the song as a "self-produced track that draws inspiration from the Ghanaian Alkayida sound".[12] Runtown told The Fader magazine that the song was inspired by African beauty.[13]

2018–2022: Independent Music Ventures and Soundgod Music Group

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In 2018, Runtown established his record label, Soundgod Music Group, after leaving Eric Many Entertainment due to contractual disputes.[14] Under his label, Runtown continued to release songs, including singles like "Unleash," featuring Fekky,[15] and "For Life."[16][17]

In 2019, Runtown released the EP Tradition, which received critical acclaim for its production quality and Runtown's lyrical prowess. The project included tracks like "Emotions" and "Goosebumps".[18][19]

On December 16, 2022, Runtown released the 'Signs' album, which Deborah Jayeoba from African Folder described as a "sign for Runtown to have a grip on his career because this recent taste of him doesn’t please the music palate".[20]

Discography

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Main article: Runtown discography

Awards and nominations

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Year Award ceremony Prize Result
2014 2014 Nigeria Entertainment Awards Best Collaboration of The Year[23] Nominated
The Headies 2014 Next Rated Act Nominated[24]
2015 2015 Nigeria Entertainment Awards Best Pop Artiste Nominated[25]
City People Entertainment Awards Artiste of The Year Nominated[26]
2017 Vodafone Ghana Music Awards African Artiste Of The Year Won[27]
2017 Soundcity MVP Awards Festival Best Collaboration of The Year Won[28]
Viewers Choice Won[29]
Listeners Choice Nominated[30]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "The full story of the drama between singer and his record label Eric Many". pulseNg. 2018-03-28.
  2. ^ Shummba, Ano (5 December 2017). "K.O, Runtown perfect collaborative fad with Call Me". musicinafrica.net. Music In Africa. Retrieved 8 September 2022. oupled with harmonious help from Runtown and an R&B feel, K.O uses his gusto to send a message to his lady through his authoritative love lyrics.
  3. ^ Idoko Salihu (7 January 2017). "Wizkid, Runtown make Billboard Twitter Top Tracks chart". Premium Times. Retrieved 16 May 2017.
  4. ^ "Runtown on How Staying True to Himself Produced His Biggest Hit Yet, 'Mad Over You' - Okayplayer". www.okayafrica.com. Retrieved 2024-10-23.
  5. ^ Nduka, Echezonachukwu (7 February 2016). "Album Review: Running through Runtown's Ghetto University". Praxis Magazine. Retrieved 31 May 2016.
  6. ^ Sholola, Damilola (12 December 2014). "Runtown dreams of marrying Rihanna". Vanguard Newspaper. Retrieved 31 May 2016.
  7. ^ "It's nobody's business if I sold Aye to Davido —Runtown". Nigerian Tribune. 26 July 2014. Retrieved 5 December 2014.
  8. ^ Donnet, Jim (23 November 2015). "Runtown Premieres Debut Album "Ghetto University" + Listen To Hot Track Picks From The Album". tooXclusive. Retrieved 31 May 2016.
  9. ^ Oghene, Michael (6 April 2016). "RUNTOWN: The Rising Profile of Africa's Next 'BIG THING'". 360Nobs. Retrieved 31 May 2016.
  10. ^ "Runtown's "Mad over You" debuts on Billboard ranking". soundcityTv. 7 January 2017.
  11. ^ Salihu, Idoko (7 January 2017). "Wizkid, Runtown make Billboard Twitter Top Tracks chart". Premium Times.
  12. ^ Akan, Joey (12 January 2017). "'Mad Over You' remix should have Mr Eazi and Sarkodie on it". Pulse.
  13. ^ Alexander, Amber (4 November 2016). "Nigerian Star Runtown Is In Love With Ghanaian Beauty On "Mad Over You"". The Fader.
  14. ^ "Singer launches indie music company, 'Sound God Music Group'". pulseNg. 2018-06-26.
  15. ^ "Runtown & Fekky's 'Unleash' Will Jump Start Your Week - Okayplayer". www.okayafrica.com. Retrieved 2024-10-23.
  16. ^ Native, The (2018-07-01). "Best New Music: Runtown's "Unleash" is motivation if you need a mid-year booster". The NATIVE. Retrieved 2024-10-23.
  17. ^ Tomi (2018-08-29). "Runtown Set To Embark on Unleash World Tour". The Culture Custodian (Est. 2014.). Retrieved 2024-10-23.
  18. ^ "Listen to Runtown's Surprise Release of His New EP 'Tradition' - Okayplayer". www.okayafrica.com. Retrieved 2024-10-23.
  19. ^ Peter, Dennis Ade (2019-05-24). "Runtown shares long-awaited 'Tradition' EP". The NATIVE. Retrieved 2024-10-23.
  20. ^ Jayeoba, Deborah (12 January 2023). "With 'Signs,' Runtown's High Run Continues To Fade". African Folder.
  21. ^ "EP Review: 'Tradition' is Runtown's honest vibes with a little sonic pitfall". Pulse Nigeria. 27 May 2019. Retrieved 27 September 2020.
  22. ^ "With 'Signs,' Runtown's High Run Continues To Fade". African Folder. 12 January 2023. Retrieved 12 January 2023.
  23. ^ "Runtown Wins NEA Awards". ThisDay Live. 27 September 2014. Retrieved 19 November 2015.
  24. ^ Micheal Abimboye (30 September 2014). "Orezi, Patoranking, RunTown, Skales up for Next Rated at Headies Awards". Premium Times. Retrieved 9 March 2015.
  25. ^ "Nigerian Entertainment Awards Unveils 2015 Nominees". Daily Independent. 12 June 2015. Archived from the original on July 25, 2015. Retrieved 2015-07-25.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  26. ^ "City People Awards 2015 Nominees List – tooXclusive, Lil Kesh, Others Nominated…". tooXclusive. 13 July 2015. Retrieved 19 November 2015.
  27. ^ "Runtown wins 'Artiste of the year' award for second time in one month". vanguard.
  28. ^ "SOUND CITY MVP AWARDS 2017 WINNERS LIST". PulseNg.
  29. ^ "SOUND CITY MVP AWARDS 2017 WINNERS LIST". PulseNg. 2018-01-12.
  30. ^ "SOUND CITY MVP AWARDS 2017 WINNERS LIST". PulseNg. 2018-01-12.
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