Runtown | |
|---|---|
 Runtown in 2018 | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Douglas Jack Agu |
| Born | (1989-08-19)19 August 1989 (age 35)[1] |
| Origin | Enugu State, Nigeria |
| Genres | R&B,[2]Afro-fusion,hip hop,reggae |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, songwriter, producer |
| Instrument | Vocal |
| Years active | 2010–present |
| Labels | Soundgod Music Group |
Douglas Jack Agu (born 19 August 1989), known by his stage nameRuntown, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and producer. His music blends Afrobeats, hip-hop, R&B, and reggae. He first gained media attention and popularity with his song "Gallardo" (2014), which featuredDavido. His 2016 single "Mad Over You" was remixed byMr Eazi.
"Mad Over You" is from Runtown's debut studio albumSoundgod Fest Vol. 1, and picked at number 38 on theBillboard Twitter Top Tracks chart.[3]
Runtown was born on 19 August 1989 inEnugu the capital city ofEnugu State in the southeastern region ofNigeria but grew up partly inAbuja the federal capital territory of Nigeria and inLagos State in southwestern Nigeria, where he finished his primary education. After his father's death, he moved to Abuja with his mother, who was working in the Ministry of Health.[4]
Runtown began his music career in 2007, when he and longtime collaboratorPhyno relocated to Lagos to pursue their careers. The duo stayed withJ. Martins and contributed to his second studio album, with Runtown not only collaborating but also producing several songs. Through J. Martins, he connected with Timaya, who became a mentor and played a significant role in his growth as an artist. During this period, Runtown honed his skills, learning the intricacies of the music industry while staying with Timaya.[5]
In 2011, Runtown officially launched his career by releasing his debut single, "Party Like It's 1980".[5] In 2014, Runtown released "Gallardo", featuring vocals from Davido. The track served as the lead single from his debut studio album,Ghetto University.[6] "Gallardo" achieved commercial success and won the "Best Collaboration of the Year" award at the2014 edition of theNigeria Entertainment Awards.[7]
In the same year, media reports suggested that Runtown was involved in writing the song "Aye" for Davido. Addressing these rumors in an interview with theNigerian Tribune, Runtown stated, "A lot of people have been asking me that question.Davido has had several interviews where he addressed how the song came about. So if you want to learn more about 'Aye,' ask Davido or read his interviews."[8]
On 23 November 2015, Runtown released his debut studio album titledGhetto University via MTN Music Plus through Eric Many Entertainment.[9] The album generated over ₦35million on the music portal thus earning him a spot in the list of "Top 5 Most Streamed Artist".[10]
On 4 November 2016, Runtown released the ballad "Mad Over You", which charted at number 38 on theBillboard Twitter Top Tracks chart.[11][12] Joey Akan fromPulse Nigeria described the song as a "self-produced track that draws inspiration from the Ghanaian Alkayida sound".[13] Runtown toldThe Fader magazine that the song was inspired by African beauty.[14]
In 2018, Runtown established his record label,Soundgod Music Group, after leaving Eric Many Entertainment due to contractual disputes.[15] Under his label, Runtown continued to release songs, including singles like "Unleash," featuring Fekky,[16] and "For Life."[17][18]
In 2019, Runtown released the EPTradition, which received critical acclaim for its production quality and Runtown's lyrical prowess. The project included tracks like "Emotions" and "Goosebumps".[19][20]
On December 16, 2022, Runtown released the 'Signs' album, which Deborah Jayeoba fromAfrican Folder described as a "sign for Runtown to have a grip on his career because this recent taste of him doesn’t please the music palate".[21]
| Year | Award ceremony | Prize | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 2014 Nigeria Entertainment Awards | Best Collaboration of The Year[24] | Nominated |
| The Headies 2014 | Next Rated Act | Nominated[25] | |
| 2015 | 2015 Nigeria Entertainment Awards | Best Pop Artiste | Nominated[26] |
| City People Entertainment Awards | Artiste of The Year | Nominated[27] | |
| 2017 | Vodafone Ghana Music Awards | African Artiste Of The Year | Won[28] |
| 2017 | Soundcity MVP Awards Festival | Best Collaboration of The Year | Won[29] |
| Viewers Choice | Won[30] | ||
| Listeners Choice | Nominated[31] | ||
| 2018 | The Headies | Best Pop Single - "Mad Over You" | Nominated[32] |
