Few Nigerian artists have influenced the evolution of Afrobeats like Runtown. Known for his smooth voice, cross-genre versatility, and impeccable songwriting, he helped shape a generation of African pop that blends R&B, reggae, dancehall, and Afro-fusion. From his early collaborations to his independent ventures, Runtown’s discography tells a story of resilience, creativity, and global reach.
While songs like “Mad Over You” made him a household name, Runtown’s journey spans a much richer timeline — one that mirrors the rise of contemporary Afrobeats on the international stage. This post explores his key releases, artistic evolution, and the enduring influence of his sound.
Early Years & First Singles
Born Douglas Jack Agu in Enugu, Nigeria, Runtown began experimenting with music during his teenage years, influenced by artists such as Sean Kingston, Bob Marley, and Fela Kuti. His early demos reflected a deep love for melody and rhythm — a duality that would later define his career.
His breakthrough came in 2014 with the hit single “Gallardo” featuring Davido. The track was a blend of Afrobeats and contemporary R&B, and its catchy hook made it an instant club favourite. “Gallardo” went on to win Best Collaboration of the Year at the Nigeria Entertainment Awards, cementing Runtown’s position as one of the new voices redefining Nigerian pop. (Wikipedia)
Runtown quickly followed up with a string of successful singles including “Successful”, “Domot”, and “The Banger” featuring DJ Neptune. Each track expanded his audience across West Africa and the diaspora. Unlike many of his peers who leaned heavily into either high-tempo dance tracks or love ballads, Runtown balanced both worlds effortlessly — a style that would become his signature.
During this period, Runtown signed with Eric Many Entertainment, the label that released his debut album. The collaboration helped him gain more exposure but also set the stage for future disputes that would test his independence as an artist.
‘Ghetto University’ – The Album Era
In 2015, Runtown released his debut studio album, Ghetto University. The project was a defining moment in his career and in the growth of modern Afrobeats. It featured star-studded collaborations with artists like DJ Khaled, Wizkid, and Uhuru, merging Afropop with hip-hop and electronic influences. The album produced hits such as “Bend Down Pause” featuring Wizkid and “The Banger” with DJ Neptune. (Wikipedia)
“Ghetto University” sold over 60,000 copies in its first month — a remarkable feat for the Nigerian market at the time. Critics praised Runtown’s ability to balance commercial appeal with sonic experimentation. Songs like “Walahi” and “Tuwo Shinkafa” demonstrated his range, while “Bend Down Pause” became an anthem across clubs in Lagos and Accra.
The album was more than a collection of hits; it was a statement of intent. Runtown positioned himself not just as a singer, but as a sound architect — crafting rhythms that would influence many younger artists. His blend of Afro-rhythmic percussion and Caribbean bounce predated what would later become the mainstream Afro-fusion wave.
Breakout Single: “Mad Over You”
If Ghetto University was Runtown’s graduation into stardom, then “Mad Over You” was his PhD in global influence. Released in 2016, the single became one of the biggest African songs of the decade. Its mid-tempo groove, minimalistic beat, and romantic lyrics made it universally appealing — a rare combination of African rhythm and global simplicity.
The song dominated African airwaves and crossed borders quickly, becoming a viral hit across Europe and the Caribbean. It entered the Billboard Twitter Top Tracks chart at #38 and racked up millions of streams on Spotify and YouTube. (Wikipedia)
“Mad Over You” introduced a softer, more melodic side of Afrobeats, influencing future stars like Rema and Ayra Starr to experiment with minimalist production and emotional storytelling. It’s not an exaggeration to say that the success of this single helped shape the global Afrobeats sound heard today.
Runtown’s songwriting on “Mad Over You” reflected maturity — he combined simplicity with subtlety, crafting a song that could fit any playlist, from Lagos weddings to London rooftop parties. Its romantic narrative about Ghanaian beauty also reinforced a growing trend of cultural exchange within African pop music.
The track’s impact was so significant that even years later, it remains one of the defining love songs of modern Afrobeats — still charting in nostalgic playlists and wedding soundtracks worldwide.
Evolution of Sound & Artistic Identity
Following “Mad Over You,” Runtown continued to evolve sonically. Songs like “For Life”, “Energy”, and “Oh Oh Oh (Lucie)” reflected a more mature, laid-back Runtown, comfortable in his artistry. He started to emphasise emotional resonance over radio hits, crafting what fans call the “Soundgod vibe.”
This evolution culminated in the founding of his independent label, Soundgod Music Group, in 2018 after his exit from Eric Many Entertainment. The move gave him full creative control and ownership of his masters — a bold step in an industry still dominated by label contracts.
Under Soundgod, Runtown released singles like “Unleash” featuring Fekky and “International Badman Killa”, both of which earned international airplay and expanded his reach into Europe and North America. His production leaned into lo-fi, reggae-infused beats — signalling a new creative chapter focused on authenticity and global relevance.
Runtown’s artistic evolution also placed him in conversations with global peers like Burna Boy and Wizkid, who similarly redefined what it means to make African music for a global audience. Together, they’ve turned Afrobeats into a world language — one that speaks through rhythm, not geography.
To explore more about the pioneers of this global wave, see Tems’ Afrobeats success story and Burna Boy’s global impact.
Global Reach & Influence
By the late 2010s, Runtown had become one of the most recognisable names in Afrobeats. His songs weren’t just charting in Africa — they were soundtracking global events, fashion shows, and playlists curated by major platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Deezer. The subtle blend of Afro-fusion, R&B, and Caribbean melody in his music made him relatable across cultures.
“Mad Over You” and “For Life” gained strong traction in the UK, the Caribbean, and the United States. Several Afrobeat DJs in London’s club scene credit Runtown for helping bridge the early wave of Nigerian pop with mainstream UK audiences. His ability to make music that felt international without losing its African DNA remains one of his greatest strengths.
Beyond streaming numbers, Runtown’s influence is visible in the way modern Afrobeats production evolved. His minimalist beat style — often characterised by space, melody, and emotion — inspired many new producers and singers. Songs like “Energy” became templates for future hits by younger artists, offering a new model of Afrobeats that valued feeling over tempo.
Globally, Runtown’s music has been featured in international showcases, documentaries, and social media campaigns celebrating the rise of Afrobeats. Even after periods of relative silence, his catalogue continues to perform well across digital platforms, reaffirming his role as one of the genre’s timeless voices.
Challenges, Reinvention & Industry Resilience
Runtown’s journey hasn’t been without obstacles. His public legal battle with Eric Many Entertainment in 2017 marked a turbulent chapter in his career. The dispute — centred on contract rights and unpaid royalties — forced him to pause touring and slow down his release schedule. For many artists, that kind of disruption could derail a career; for Runtown, it became a period of creative reinvention.
During this phase, he quietly began crafting a more introspective body of work. The 2022 album Signs captured this new era. Songs like “Things I Know” and “Dangerous Hearts” revealed a calmer, wiser artist reflecting on fame, freedom, and emotional depth. Fans and critics praised the project’s honesty and maturity, describing it as the sound of an artist fully in control of his narrative.
Runtown’s ability to maintain relevance despite industry shifts shows remarkable staying power. In an era where artists often fade quickly, his focus on quality, not quantity, sets him apart. He has cultivated a loyal global fanbase — “The Soundgod Family” — who champion his independent spirit and artistic integrity.
His collaborations with international acts like Nasty C and Fekky also expanded his reach beyond West Africa, positioning him within a network of African creatives pushing the continent’s sound forward. His quiet but consistent presence mirrors the long-game strategy adopted by pioneers such as 2Baba and Burna Boy.
Runtown’s Cultural Legacy
Runtown’s influence extends beyond charts. His approach to music — slow, melodic, and deeply emotional — helped redefine the aesthetics of modern Afrobeats. He proved that African pop could be romantic, introspective, and exportable without pandering to Western tastes. This balance of sound and soul has inspired countless artists who now dominate the international scene.
He also set a new standard for artistic independence in Africa. By founding Soundgod Music Group and regaining full creative control, Runtown became a role model for musicians seeking autonomy in a challenging industry. His transition from label artist to independent entrepreneur reflects a broader shift in Africa’s creative economy, where artists increasingly own their rights, masters, and brand identities.
Moreover, his understated persona — avoiding unnecessary controversies and focusing on craft — has earned him respect among peers and audiences alike. In many ways, Runtown embodies the idea of quiet influence: reshaping an industry not through volume, but through consistency, innovation, and timeless sound.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many albums has Runtown released?
Runtown has released one full-length studio album, Ghetto University, and one post-label album, Signs (2022), under his independent imprint Soundgod Music Group. He also has numerous singles and collaborative projects that continue to perform globally.
What is Runtown’s biggest song?
“Mad Over You” remains his signature track and one of the most influential Afrobeats songs ever made. It redefined the genre’s emotional tone and achieved international chart success, including entry on the Billboard Twitter Top Tracks chart.
Did Runtown influence other artists?
Absolutely. Runtown’s minimalist, melodic style inspired artists such as Rema, Ayra Starr, and even Tems. His emphasis on emotional storytelling over rhythm alone set a new direction for Afrobeats production.
Why is Runtown sometimes called “Soundgod”?
The nickname stems from his label, Soundgod Music Group, and reflects his focus on sonic perfection. It symbolises his role as a producer, songwriter, and creative director — an artist who shapes sound, not just sings over it.
Final Reflection: Runtown’s Lasting Impact
Runtown’s discography reads like a diary of Afrobeats’ evolution — from its underground roots to its global dominance. Each phase of his career, from Ghetto University to Signs, reveals an artist deeply connected to both his heritage and his creative freedom. His music continues to echo through new generations who blend genres, languages, and cultures just as he did.
In the story of African music’s global rise, Runtown stands as both architect and innovator. His melodic fingerprints can be found in nearly every modern Afrobeats hit. Whether through chart-topping singles or quiet influence, his legacy as the Soundgod remains secure.
For related stories, explore Burna Boy’s Global Impact, Tems’ Afrobeats Success, or 2Face Idibia’s Biography to see how each artist contributed to shaping Africa’s global sound.