Where Is Runtown?

Right from the onset, Douglas Agu, known by his stage name Runtown, has always been a go-to figure for instant ‘gbedu’. He’s written, produced and performed some of the biggest hits in afrobeats.

Being called soundgod was not by chance and talent has never been the question when it came to Runtown. Arguably top 5 musically, his mega hits has stylishly influenced some parts of afrobeats culture, the biggest of them all being ‘Mad Over You’.

Runtown via instagram

Runtown had also laid claim to the world of fashion with that Versace campaign in 2020 where he posed with supermodel Adut Akech, around the same time when the two were rumoured to have a thing going. They posted a few photos on social media but the rumor didn’t last very long.

Runtown and Adut Akech for Versace via instagram

But now, where is Runtown ?  It has been rumoured one of the biggest fall off of our time, as his disappearance from the scenes has again erupted the social spaces, caused unnecessary comparisons and even converted some fans into haters.

The streets of social media have expressed their opinions on Runtown’s absence from music at a time when afrobeats is literally taking over the world. What could it be, that has kept one of naija’s finest ? His instability has made people really underate his talent and you see it everyday on social media. It is terrifying.

Runtown via Google.

Runtown had previously ghosted his fans before 2020 when he then came out with ‘Body Riddim’ featuring Darko Vibes and Bella Shmurda. A bang. He followed up with ‘Kini Issue’ and put Adut Akech as his vixen, while a Lagbaja figure danced with a saxophone to blow us away. It was so mad, we thought Runtown was finally back (because whattt ??).

Followed by the Endsars protests that led to the deaths of many Nigerian youths, Runtown released ‘If e happen for Lagos’ in december that aimed at expressing the state of Nigeria at the time (and now still).

The following year (July 2021) Runtown announced an upcoming album – ‘SIGNS’, together with the tracklist. It’s been one whole years since and we’ve literally heard nothing from this album. This has some fans pissed and confused as to the situation, while others just have no choice but to wait till sound falls from the soundgod like manna from heaven.

If you’re not a core fan of Runtown, you may also have missed the Soundgod Fest Reloaded he put out where he just compiled some new and old songs. Zero promos, nothing. Some very likable songs there but almost nobody knows he even dropped something. Most present in the project was Darko Vibes and Minz amongst others.

Runtown via REFORMTHEFUNK (2018)

Runtown’s discography is a very interesting one when you consider the type of work he’s put out over the years but more importantly, his transition and journey from a highlife and afropop foundation to a more blended afrobeat sound. It is the lack of consistency that has made people question his talent. You’d like to think, maybe it’s his plan, to keep the suspense and increase demand for his music or maybe he’s just taking his time and waiting for the right time to finish and release his project.

Runtown via Twitter

Multuple sources including Runtown himself have confirmed that the album is now complete and dropping soon. Could the album finally be dropping for real this time ? Or is this another stunt ? (…it’s not like he hasn’t announced the release more than 3 times already). We hope it’s worth the wait (actually we know it’ll be).

Written By Emmanuel Obianke {@stayfreshonyourlevel}