Douglas Jack Agu

Douglas Jack Agu, known professionally as Runtown, was born on August 19, 1989, in Enugu State, Nigeria. He also spent significant parts of his childhood in Lagos, two culturally rich regions that shaped his diverse musical influences.

Following the death of his father at a young age, Runtown was raised by his mother, a professional nurse. The early loss fostered independence and creativity, with Runtown developing an early passion for music, art, and academics, absorbing genres like reggae, R&B, highlife, and hip-hop.

Education

Runtown completed his primary education in Lagos and attended St. Augustine’s Seminary in Ezzamgbo, Enugu State, for secondary school.
Later, he moved to Abuja to further pursue his music interests. Eventually, he relocated to New York City to study Fashion Management at a fashion school, where he broadened his cultural and musical horizons through exposure to the international entertainment community.

Music Career

Early Beginnings and Underground Rise (2007–2013)

Runtown officially entered the Nigerian music scene in 2007, moving to Lagos with Phyno, with whom he co-founded Penthauze Music. During this period, he collaborated with producer J. Martins and built underground credibility with tracks like:

• “Runtown”
• “Party Like It’s 1980”
• “Activity Pikin”

These early efforts laid the groundwork for his breakthrough.

Breakthrough with “Gallardo” (2014)

In 2014, Runtown achieved national success with “Gallardo” featuring Davido.
The song dominated airwaves and won Best Collaboration of the Year at the Nigeria Entertainment Awards, leading to a major record deal with Eric-Manny Entertainment.

Around this time, he was also rumored to have contributed to Davido’s hit “Aye”, although Runtown maintained a neutral stance on the matter.

Debut Album – Ghetto University (2015)

Runtown released his debut album Ghetto University in 2015, showcasing his genre-blending prowess.
Key tracks included:

• “Gallardo” (feat. Davido)
• “Bend Down Pause” (feat. Wizkid)
• “The Latest”
• “Walahi”
• “Lagos to Kampala” (feat. Wizkid)

It became one of the most streamed Nigerian albums on MTN Music Plus, cementing Runtown’s star status.

Global Breakout – “Mad Over You” (2016–2017)

In late 2016, Runtown released the self-produced “Mad Over You”, inspired by Ghanaian highlife.
Achievements:

• #1 in Nigeria, Ghana, and other African countries.
• #38 on Billboard’s Twitter Top Tracks.
• Over 100 million views on YouTube.

“Mad Over You” became a cultural phenomenon, helping globalize Afro-fusion music.

Legal Challenges and Label Independence (2017–2018)

In 2017, Runtown became embroiled in a high-profile legal dispute with his former label, Eric-Manny Entertainment. The label accused him of breaching contract terms by signing deals independently, while Runtown counter-claimed unpaid earnings and exploitation.

The legal battle was drawn out with court injunctions that sought to restrict his performances and music releases. However, Runtown stood firm on his desire for independence and creative freedom.

By 2018, after enduring months of legal wrangling, Runtown officially broke free from Eric-Manny Entertainment and launched his own record label, Soundgod Music Group. This move allowed him to control his music career without external interference, marking a new era of entrepreneurship and self-determination.

Founding Soundgod Music Group

Soundgod Music Group became Runtown’s platform for independent releases and nurturing new talent. Through Soundgod, he continued to release critically acclaimed work, maintaining his relevance in the evolving Afrobeats landscape and inspiring other Nigerian artists to pursue independence.

Style and Influence

Runtown is renowned for his versatility, effortlessly fusing Afrobeats with international sounds. His music often explores themes of love, success, and African pride, presented through catchy rhythms and smooth melodies. His innovative approach has helped shape the Afro-fusion genre, making him a key figure in expanding African music’s global appeal.

Runtown is celebrated for his seamless fusion of:

• Afrobeats
• R&B and soul
• Reggae and dancehall
• Hip-hop and trap

His music explores themes of love, success, and African pride, often with lush melodies and smooth vocals. He produces or co-produces many of his songs, giving his work a distinctive personal touch.

Controversies

• Label Dispute: Runtown’s bitter legal battle with Eric-Manny Entertainment became one of the most talked-about disputes in the Nigerian music industry. Allegations of contract breaches and financial disputes tarnished his relationship with the label but ultimately propelled him toward independence.
• Performance Restrictions: During the legal feud, court orders were issued to block his performances, causing temporary disruptions to his career. However, Runtown’s resilience and refusal to be sidelined earned him public sympathy and increased his fanbase.
• Public Criticism: While many celebrated his independence, some industry insiders criticized him for allegedly showing ingratitude to the label that initially supported his rise. Nonetheless, Runtown remained focused on carving out his own path.

Independent Era: Soundgod Fest and Tradition (2018–2019)

After launching his label, Runtown released singles like:

• “Unleash” (feat. Fekky)
• “For Life”

In 2019, he dropped the Tradition EP, showcasing a matured, refined sound with highlights like:

• “Emotions”
• “Goosebumps”

He also launched the Soundgod Fest, a music festival promoting African music and culture.

Hiatus and Comeback: Signs (2022)

Following a short hiatus, Runtown returned in December 2022 with the album Signs:

• 13 tracks, no features.
• A blend of jazz, Afrobeat, R&B, and alternative pop.
• Deeply introspective themes around love, reflection, and society.

Critics praised Signs for its artistic maturity and bold sound.

Notable Songs

• “Gallardo” (feat. Davido)
• “Mad Over You”
• “For Life”
• “Said”
• “Bend Down Pause” (feat. Wizkid)
• “Energy”
• “Body Riddim” (feat. Bella Shmurda & Darkovibes)
• “Unleash”
• “Kini Issue”
• “International Badman Killa”
• “Emotions”
• “Goosebumps”
• “Omalicha Nwa”
• “Understanding Love”

Discography

Albums/EPs:

• Ghetto University (2015)
• Soundgod Fest Vol. 1 (2018)
• Tradition (2019)
• Soundgod Fest Reloaded (2021)
• Signs (2022)

Personal Life

Runtown has a son, Zamar, with American model and actress Selena Leath.
He was also previously in a high-profile relationship with South Sudanese-Australian supermodel Adut Akech, which ended in 2021.

Philanthropy and Entrepreneurship

In 2018, Runtown co-founded We Are New Africa (WANA), an initiative dedicated to empowering African youth through education and the arts.
He is a vocal advocate for African creativity, self-reliance, and youth empowerment.

Residences and Lifestyle

Runtown divides his time between Nigeria and the United States, known for his luxurious lifestyle, upscale properties, and love for art and fashion.

Awards and Recognition

• Nigeria Entertainment Awards (2014): Best Collaboration – “Gallardo” (Winner)
• The Headies (2015): Next Rated (Nominee)
• The Headies (2017): Best Pop Single – “Mad Over You” (Nominee)
• Soundcity MVP Awards (2017): Viewers’ Choice – “Mad Over You” (Winner)
• Ghana Music Awards (2017): African Artiste of the Year (Nominee)
• AFRIMA Awards (2017): Song of the Year – “Mad Over You” (Nominee)
• MTV Africa Music Awards (2016): Listener’s Choice – “Bend Down Pause” (Nominee)
• YouTube Milestone: “Mad Over You” surpassed 100 million views.

Conclusion

Runtown’s career is a powerful testament to versatility, resilience, and artistic innovation.
Through his groundbreaking music, independent spirit, and advocacy for African youth, he continues to shape the future of Afro-fusion and Afrobeats on the global stage.

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