| Runtown | |
| Birth Name: | Douglas Jack Agu |
| Birth Date: | 1989 8, df=yes[1] |
| Origin: | Enugu State, Nigeria |
| Genre: | R&B,[2] Afro-fusion, hip hop, reggae |
| Occupation: | Singer, songwriter, producer |
| Instrument: | Vocals |
| Years Active: | 2010–present |
| Label: | Soundgod Music Group |
Douglas Jack Agu (born 19 August 1989), better known by his stage name Runtown, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and producer. His music is a blend of Afrobeats, hip-hop, R&B, and reggae. He gained initial recognition with his song "Gallardo (2014)" featuring Davido. He achieved international recognition with his 2016 single "Mad Over You", The song's success led to a remix by Nigerian-Bajan artist Mr Eazi, further expanding its reach.
Mad Over You emerged from Runtown's debut studio album Soundgod Fest Vol. 1 and debuted at number 38 on the Billboard Twitter Top Tracks chart, marking the singer's first appearance.[3]
Runtown was born on 19 August 1989 in Enugu the capital city of Enugu State in the southeastern region of Nigeria but grew up partly in Abuja the federal capital territory of Nigeria and in Lagos State in southwestern Nigeria, where he finished his primary education. After the death of his father, he moved to Abuja with his mother, who was working in the Ministry of Health.[4]
In 2014, Runtown released "Gallardo", featuring vocals from Davido. The track served as the lead single from his debut studio album, Ghetto University.[5] "Gallardo" achieved commercial success and won the "Best Collaboration of the Year" award at the 2014 edition of the Nigeria Entertainment Awards.[6]
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 the Nigerian 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."[7]
See main article: Mad Over You and Ghetto University. On 23 November 2015, Runtown released his debut studio album titled Ghetto University via MTN Music Plus through Eric Many Entertainment.[8] The album generated over ₦35million on the music portal thus earning him a spot in the list of "Top 5 Most Streamed Artist".[9]
On 4 November 2016, Runtown released the ballad "Mad Over You", which charted at number 38 on the Billboard Twitter Top Tracks chart.[10] [11] Joey Akan from Pulse Nigeria described the song as a "self-produced track that draws inspiration from the Ghanaian Alkayida sound".[12] Runtown told The Fader magazine that the song was inspired by African beauty.[13]
In 2018, Runtown established his record label, Soundgod Music Group, after leaving Eric Many Entertainment due to contractual disputes.[14] Under his label, Runtown continued to release songs, including singles like "Unleash," featuring Fekky,[15] and "For Life."[16] [17]
In 2019, Runtown released the EP Tradition, which received critical acclaim for its production quality and Runtown's lyrical prowess. The project included tracks like "Emotions" and "Goosebumps".[18] [19]
On December 16, 2022, Runtown released the 'Signs' album, which Deborah Jayeoba from African 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".[20]
See main article: Runtown discography.
| Year | Award ceremony | Prize | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 2014 Nigeria Entertainment Awards | Best Collaboration of The Year[23] | |
| The Headies 2014 | Next Rated Act | [24] | |
| 2015 | 2015 Nigeria Entertainment Awards | Best Pop Artiste | [25] |
| City People Entertainment Awards | Artiste of The Year | [26] | |
| 2017 | Vodafone Ghana Music Awards | African Artiste Of The Year | [27] |
| 2017 | Soundcity MVP Awards Festival | Best Collaboration of The Year | [28] |
| Viewers Choice | [29] | ||
| Listeners Choice | [30] |