From recording freestyles with Virtual DJ in secondary school to self-producing five music projects, Papi Rugio is proof that true creativity knows no limits. In this exclusive TrenderHQ feature, we journey through the mind and mission of Oluwaseun Shola-Akinwale, the Ibadan-based hip-hop artiste, audio-visual producer, and creative director better known as Papi Rugio.
Rooted in raw talent and refined by intentional growth, Rugio speaks candidly about how music became both his therapy and his voice to the world.
Finding purpose in rhythm
Papi Rugio’s entry into music came early. “I started making music in secondary school using Virtual DJ to record freestyles over popular songs and share with friends,” he recalls. That early passion evolved into a professional journey by the age of 18 when he dropped his first studio record. Since then, Rugio has independently released five music projects.
His motivation runs deep: “Creating keeps me sane and alive,” he shares. This love for sound, art, and storytelling led him to pursue music not only as a passion but as a lifestyle and career.
Defining moments and proud milestones
Among the turning points in his career, two moments stand out. “When my song was used in a movie, and when I completed the Music Business Academy program,” Rugio explains. Both gave him validation and clarity that he was on the right track.
However, the moment that makes him most proud? Rhythm and Bars, a self-written, self-produced, and self-engineered 10-track project. “That made me feel unstoppable,” he says with a smile.
A creative force guided by sound
Rugio’s music-making process is deeply personal. Drawing from life experiences and those around him, he builds narratives that feel intimate yet universally resonant. “I make a lot of my beats, so it mostly begins with a metronome,” he adds playfully.
His sonic style sits at the intersection of hip-hop, afrobeat, and electronic dance music. It’s a fusion that speaks to both his Nigerian roots and his global mindset.
When asked about collaborations, he prefers to honor everyone who’s walked part of the path with him: “I’ve worked with a lot of people on this journey in various capacities. It’d be a little too much to mention, but I appreciate everyone who has contributed to my sound and journey thus far.”
Perspective, purpose, and power
What makes Rugio’s voice unique isn’t just his music, but how he uses it. “My ability to craft narratives, create soundscapes, and build universes with sound makes me a force to reckon with,” he says.
He names Mac Miller, Kid Cudi, Olamide, and M.I as key influences. These artists, much like Rugio, blend vulnerability with vision, often reaching beyond entertainment to ignite emotion and thought.
“First, I want to inspire a new generation of talents to believe in what’s possible. Second, I want my music to be a weapon of change for positive influence on society and the globe at large,” Rugio explains.
What’s next: Softboy and beyond
Right now, he’s gearing up for his new EP titled SOFTBOY, set for release on August 5. While details are still under wraps, the title hints at the emotional and artistic range Rugio is known for.
Looking ahead, he sees his brand expanding in multiple directions. “The goal is to build catalog, develop talents, and create iconic art,” he says.
For those starting in the industry, his advice is simple but powerful: “Stay hungry, stay consistent.”
Final words from Rugio
True to his grounded spirit, Papi Rugio doesn’t seek fame for its own sake. Instead, he aims to create music and visuals that resonate, uplift, and inspire.
Follow him on Instagram: @Papi_Rugio
Photographer credit: @brethrenjpg
