Early Life and Background
Douglas Jack Agu, popularly known as Runtown, was born on August 19, 1989, in Enugu State, Nigeria. He spent his early years in Enugu before relocating to Abuja with his mother after his father passed away. His mother worked at the Ministry of Health, and during this time, Runtown completed his primary education. He later moved back to Enugu for secondary school.
Initially, Runtown aspired to be a professional basketball player. However, his passion for music grew stronger, eventually steering him toward a career in the entertainment industry.
Runtown Biography: Quick Facts an Summary
- Full Name: Douglas Jack Agu
- Stage Name: Runtown
- Date of Birth: August 19, 1989
- Place of Birth: Enugu State, Nigeria
- Nationality: Nigerian
- Profession: Singer, songwriter, and producer
- Genres: Afrobeats, hip-hop, R&B, reggae
- Years Active: 2007 – present
- Record Label: Soundgod Music Group (Founded in 2018)
Early Life & Education
- Grew up in Enugu before moving to Abuja after his father’s death.
- Attended primary school in Abuja and completed secondary education in Enugu.
- Initially aspired to be a professional basketball player before focusing on music.
Music Career Highlights
- Moved to Lagos in 2007 with Phyno to pursue music.
- Collaborated with Timaya and J-Martins in his early career.
- Released Gallardo (2014) featuring Davido, which became a breakthrough hit.
- Released his debut album Ghetto University (2015).
- Gained international fame with Mad Over You (2016), which charted on Billboard Twitter Top Tracks.
- Established Soundgod Music Group in 2018 after leaving Eric Many Entertainment.
- Released successful projects like Tradition (2019) and Signs (2022).
Discography
Studio Albums
- Ghetto University (2015)
- Tradition (2019)
- Signs (2022)
Notable Songs
- Gallardo feat. Davido (2014)
- Mad Over You (2016)
- For Life (2017)
- Unleash feat. Fekky (2018)
- Emotions (2019)
Awards & Recognitions
- 2014 Nigeria Entertainment Awards: Best Collaboration (Gallardo) – Won
- 2014 The Headies: Nominated for Next Rated Act
- 2015 Nigeria Entertainment Awards: Nominated for Best Pop Artiste
- 2015 City People Entertainment Awards: Nominated for Artiste of the Year
- 2017 Vodafone Ghana Music Awards: African Artiste of the Year – Won
- 2017 Soundcity MVP Awards: Best Collaboration of the Year – Won
Personal Life & Philanthropy
- Keeps his personal life private.
- Actively supports education and underprivileged communities in Nigeria.
Legacy & Influence
- Pioneered a fusion of Afrobeats with hip-hop, reggae, and R&B.
- Influenced the Afrobeats sound with hits like Mad Over You.
- Continues to be a major figure in Nigerian and African music.
Journey into Music
In 2007, Runtown moved to Lagos with fellow artist Phyno to pursue his dream of making music. During his early years in the industry, he worked closely with artists such as J-Martins and Timaya, contributing to their projects and refining his craft. He released some early singles, including Party Like It’s 1980 and Activity Pikin, which introduced him to a growing audience.
Breakthrough with “Gallardo”
Runtown’s big break came in 2014 when he released Gallardo, a hit song featuring Davido. The track gained massive airplay and went on to win Best Collaboration of the Year at the 2014 Nigeria Entertainment Awards. This success set the stage for his debut studio album.
Debut Album: Ghetto University
On November 23, 2015, Runtown released his first studio album, Ghetto University. The album featured a mix of Afrobeat, R&B, and hip-hop influences, showcasing his versatility as an artist. It also included collaborations with top artists like Wizkid and South African group Uhuru. Ghetto University performed well commercially, solidifying Runtown’s status in the music industry.
Rise to International Fame with “Mad Over You”
In 2016, Runtown released Mad Over You, a self-produced track inspired by Ghanaian Alkayida rhythms. The song became a global sensation, topping charts across Africa and making waves internationally. It even appeared on the Billboard Twitter Top Tracks chart. Mad Over You remains one of Runtown’s biggest songs, recognized for celebrating African beauty and culture.
Launching Soundgod Music Group
Following a contractual dispute with his former record label, Eric Many Entertainment, Runtown decided to take control of his music career. In 2018, he founded his independent label, Soundgod Music Group. Under this label, he released more hit songs, including Unleash featuring Fekky and For Life, which both received widespread acclaim.
Recent Works and Music Projects
In 2019, Runtown released his extended play (EP) titled Tradition. The project was praised for its unique sound and lyrical depth, with songs like Emotions and Goosebumps standing out.
In December 2022, he dropped another album, Signs, which showcased his musical evolution and maturity. His ability to blend different genres while maintaining his signature Afro-fusion style continues to attract a diverse fan base.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
Despite being in the spotlight, Runtown keeps his personal life relatively private. He has been linked to several philanthropic efforts, particularly in education and supporting underprivileged communities in Nigeria.
Discography
Studio Albums
- Ghetto University (2015)
- Tradition (2019)
- Signs (2022)
Popular Songs
- Gallardo feat. Davido (2014)
- Mad Over You (2016)
- For Life (2017)
- Unleash feat. Fekky (2018)
- Emotions (2019)
Awards and Recognition
- Nigeria Entertainment Awards (2014) – Best Collaboration of the Year (Gallardo)
- The Headies (2014) – Nominated for Next Rated Act
- Nigeria Entertainment Awards (2015) – Nominated for Best Pop Artiste
- City People Entertainment Awards (2015) – Nominated for Artiste of the Year
- Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (2017) – African Artiste of the Year (Winner)
- Soundcity MVP Awards (2017) – Best Collaboration of the Year (Winner)
Impact on Afrobeats and Legacy
Runtown’s musical style, which blends Afrobeats with hip-hop, reggae, and R&B, has played a significant role in shaping modern African music. His ability to create global hits while staying true to his roots has influenced many upcoming artists.
Conclusion
From a young boy in Enugu with dreams of basketball to an internationally recognized music star, Runtown’s journey has been one of talent, resilience, and innovation. His contributions to the industry continue to elevate Nigerian music on the global stage, cementing his legacy as a pioneer of contemporary Afrobeats.
FAQs
What is Runtown’s real name?
Runtown’s real name is Douglas Jack Agu.
When was Runtown born?
He was born on August 19, 1989.
What genre of music does Runtown make?
His music blends Afrobeats, hip-hop, R&B, and reggae.
Has Runtown won any awards?
Yes, he has won multiple awards, including Best Collaboration of the Year (2014) and African Artiste of the Year (2017).
What is the name of Runtown’s record label?
He owns Soundgod Music Group, an independent record label he founded in 2018.
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