The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Ruggedman

  • Afrobeats tag might end soon – Ruggedman

    Afrobeats tag might end soon – Ruggedman

    Rapper and humanitarian Michael Ugochukwu Stephens popularly known as Ruggedman, has predicted that the Afrobeats label for contemporary Nigerian music may soon fade.

    Appearing on Channels Television’s Rubbin’ Minds, he expressed a strong intuition that the term’s dominance could end.

    He stated: “I just have a feeling that this whole Afrobeats thing, the tag might end soon. Nigerian music is in the forefront and I’m happy it is Nigerian music”.

    He celebrated Nigerian music’s global prominence but criticised a perceived drop in lyrical and artistic quality, noting that few current artists deliver the depth he respects.

    “The only change that I don’t fancy much is the quality of the music, and not too many of them are giving me what I really respect,” he added.

    Ruggedman distinguished Afrobeat, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti’s revolutionary, jazz-infused genre from Afrobeats, the modern, commercially driven pop sound.

    He opposed retroactively grouping legends like Fela, King Sunny Ade, and Kwam 1 under the Afrobeats banner, preferring the broader term Nigerian music.

    Ruggedman also attributed rap’s reduced presence to artists prioritising quick financial returns over the genre’s demands.

    He highlighted the higher cost of promoting rap compared to Afrobeats, which discourages investment in hip-hop.

    “Unfortunately, rap has kind of taken a backseat, because people want to do something that gives them money quickly. Not too many people are doing rap, and it costs more to push and promote rap than Afrobeats”, he said.

    Read Also: Tana Adelana, Ruggedman, others celebrate ADT CEO Adeola Taiwo on birthday

    He criticised Nigeria’s reliance on foreign distribution platforms and the ongoing pursuit of international validation, questioning the lack of independent infrastructure.

    Ruggedman added that he recently released acoustic versions of five classic tracks, Ruggedy Baba, Baraje, Change, Won’t Battle, and One Man, featuring only guitarist Fiokee.

    He described the project as the first of its kind in Nigerian rap, designed to emphasise lyrics and emotional resonance.

    The rapper announced upcoming 2026 collaborations with Odumodublvck, Jeriq, Magnito, 2Baba, and others, signaling his commitment to advancing Nigerian hip-hop amid shifting trends.

    He said, “This is the first time, no Nigerian rapper has done this acoustic, just guitar and rap.”

    “So this gives you an opportunity to hear the lyrics and feel the soul, the heart behind all the words I use, and nobody has done this before,” he added.

  • I vowed never to have a child out of wedlock – Ruggedman

    I vowed never to have a child out of wedlock – Ruggedman

    Renowned rapper Ruggedman has revealed why he is not married yet and does not have any children.

    He attributed this to a vow he made in his youth to never have a child out of wedlock.

    In an interview with TVC ‘Your View’, the 51-year-old artist expressed some uncertainty about his decision, wondering if it was the right or wrong choice.

    However, he emphasised the importance of finding the right partner and building a strong relationship.

    Read Also: I was the first young Nigerian artist to own a car – Ruggedman claims

    Ruggedman shared stories of past relationships that didn’t work out, including one where a wealthy suitor intervened and separated him from his partner.

    He said: “I am not married and do not have a child yet. When I was much younger, I vowed never to have a child out of wedlock. Sometimes, I wonder whether I made the right or wrong decision. But still, it takes a lot from both parties. You have to do it with someone you really love,” he said.

    “I have met some ladies I thought I would end up with, but it didn’t work out. There was a particular lady I was supposed to marry, but a wealthy man came into the picture, and her mother separated us.” 

  • I call it quit if a woman triggers my bad side, Ruggedman speaks against domestic abuse

    I call it quit if a woman triggers my bad side, Ruggedman speaks against domestic abuse

    Rapper Ruggedman has spoken out about his strong stance against abuse in relationships in an interview with TVC ‘Your View’.

    He revealed that he always informs his partners about his triggers and boundaries, and if those boundaries are disrespected, he would rather end the relationship than resort to violence.

    Ruggedman shared a personal experience where he broke up with a lady who pushed him in public during a disagreement.

    He emphasised that he prioritises respect and safety in his relationships.

    The rapper also addressed the issue of people staying in abusive relationships for material benefits or fear of public opinion.

    Read Also: Ruggedman experiments with new EP

    He urged those in such situations to prioritise their safety and well-being, stating that it’s better to leave an abusive relationship than to risk one’s life.

    Ruggedman said: “I always tell any woman I intend to date that if she pushes me to the level where I think of hitting her, then it’s over.

    “I say that because, for me to want to date someone, it means I’ve told her everything that triggers me. So, for you to now push that thing, it means you’re poking me. I would rather walk away than hit the person.

    “I once broke up with a lady because she pushed me in public when we were having a disagreement, despite my pleading with her to wait until we got home to settle the issue.

    “A lot of people in abusive relationships saw the red flags but remained in the relationship because of what they were benefiting. Also, some of them are afraid of leaving because of public opinion. It’s better to leave because if you die in an abusive relationship, people will still talk.”

  • I was the first young Nigerian artist to own a car – Ruggedman claims

    I was the first young Nigerian artist to own a car – Ruggedman claims

    Popular rapper Ruggedman, born Michael Ugochukwu Steven, made a bold statement in a recent interview with Echo Room, claiming to be the first young Nigerian artist to personally own a car.

    He revealed that in 2004, he bought a BMW for N900,000, ahead of well-known Afrobeats stars like P-Square and D’banj, who later acquired their vehicles.

    Ruggedman also pointed out that during that period, other artists, particularly those signed to Kennis Music, were only provided with cars for official use, and did not personally own them.

    Read Also: Akpabio: Senator Ubah was a pillar in 10th Senate

    “I bought my BMW for N900,000 in 2004. I was the first young Nigerian artist to own a car before them P-Square and D’banj,” he said.

    “The only artists that had cars then were signed to Kennis Music. They didn’t own the cars. They were only given to them for official use. Tuface shared the same car with his labelmates then.”

    He also highlighted his innovative marketing efforts, claiming to be the first young artist to print posters and calendars.

  • Ruggedman experiments with new EP

    Ruggedman experiments with new EP

    Veteran Nigerian rapper, Michael Ugbochukwu Stephens aka Ruggedman has revealed that his newly released Extended Play, ‘The Michael Stephens Experiment (T.M.S.E)’ is a body of work where he explores different genres.

    Ruggedy Baba, as he is fondly called, noted that the four-track EP consists of different genres unlike the rap he is widely known for.

    “The EP is aptly titled ‘T.M.S.E’ because it is a body of work where I decided to experiment with different genres of music. It is not the usual rap I am known for, rather it is a way to show the side of Ruggedman people aren’t familiar with,” he said.

    Read Also: Naira Marley advises fans on power of focus

    “I achieved this with the support of amazing songwriters like Specikinging and Mbryo. This will be understood in the track, ‘Found Love’ where Fiokee displayed his guitar art.”

    The EP features a collaboration with some of the industry’s brightest talent like Jesse Jagz, Eva Alordiah, and Mista Styles (formerly Freestyle of Trybesmen). Over the years, Ruggedman has solidified his position as a leading figure on the music scene, becoming the most featured Nigerian rapper. His albums, all released under his label, Rugged Records, have consistently topped charts and won numerous accolades.

  • Afrobeats full of talentless artists, says Ruggedman

    Afrobeats full of talentless artists, says Ruggedman

    Veteran rapper Michael Ugochukwu Steven aka Ruggedman has asserted that Afrobeats is full of talentless people.

    According to him many ‘artists’ are just hiding behind the Afrobeats banner.

    Speaking in an interview with media personality, Chude Jideonwo, he said: “When you ask me what Afrobeats is, I would say Afrobeats is what a lot of talentless people hide behind.

    “They said, ‘Afrobeats to the world.’ I said, ‘No. It’s some artists to the world.’ It’s not the Afrobeats [genre], it’s some artists.”

    Read Also: I introduced 9ice to his wife but I didn’t get a wedding invite – Ruggedman

    He also revealed that it hurts when people tell him on social media that his time as an artist has passed, Ruggedman said: “But what I said to myself is whoever he or she [the troll] is listening to right now is inspired by me.”

  • As old cat, I want part of money new cats enjoy in music industry – Ruggedman

    As old cat, I want part of money new cats enjoy in music industry – Ruggedman

    Renowned rapper Michael Stephens, widely recognized as Ruggedman, expresses pride in the financial success of young artists in the industry’s current season. 

    As an ‘old cat,’ he aims to partake in the financial gains enjoyed by the ‘new cats.’

    Ruggedman made this disclosure in an interview with Saturday Beats, where he said: “I feel like a proud father anytime I see young Nigerian artistes doing well, because I am one of the people who laid the foundation for the Nigerian contemporary music that people are enjoying today. I am happy that young artists are taking Nigerian music to another level. There is a lot of money there right now, and I want some of it. That is why I am always working on something.”

    Speaking of enjoying the music money, the rapper said he is ready to delve into something new in 2024  with the release of his afrobeats Extended Play album.

    He said: “I have a new afrobeats EP that I have been recording since last year, and it currently has over 20 songs. There is a lot of money in the industry right now and I have been working non-stop. I also have a talent show that will be hitting the screens soon.”

    Read Also: Faze, 2Baba, Ruggedman, 9ice, others to headline The Legend Concert

    Stating that he had no plan to ever retire from music, he advised younger artistes that no one would reign forever, so they should do the best they could when they still could.

    Expressing his perspective on societal pressure in relation to marriage, he emphasized that it hinges on the family background. 

    He emphasized the importance of not being swayed by societal opinions as long as one is content with one’s own family’s views.

  • Faze, 2Baba, Ruggedman, 9ice, others to headline The Legend Concert

    Faze, 2Baba, Ruggedman, 9ice, others to headline The Legend Concert

    Yaw Naija Entertainment in collaboration with 10stringz Production have brought together top Nigerian musicians for the 2023 December edition of The Legend Concert.

    Faze, the ‘Originality’ crooner will be joining the likes of 2Face, Ruggedman, Duncan Mighty, Blackface, MI Abaga, 9ice as the edition promises to stand out for music lovers around the globe.

    The organizers who promised to ensure the attendees get the most preferred entertainment at the show said Faze is making it possible for Plantashun Boiz to perform together again as one.

    Faze while speaking on bringing his former group together said, he is calling on those who are his fans to come out and of course all fans of Plantashun Boiz.

    Read Also; Gunmen in military uniform abduct youth leader in Rivers

    With past appearances of the likes of Erriga Paperboi, Terry G, the music entertainment industry is witnessing another barrage of fun, cruise and climax as Independent Entertainment also paves the way for another musical fiesta galore.

    The star-studded event will be held at Freedom Park, Lagos on December 1,  2023, as fans and lovers are instructed to get their tickets at tickets.liveandwavy.com.

  • Ruggedman, others support skateboarding/BMX at Gidi Throw Down

    IT was a jamming session at the maiden edition of Juice Deluxe Skateboarding and BMX on Sunday, January 27, 2019 at the Indoor Sports Hall of University of Lagos.

    The event, tagged Gidi Throw Down 2019, held in collaboration with World Cup Skateboarding. It featured Graffiti, Spoken Words, DJ Freestyle and Artiste Performances from AQ, Blaqbonez, Loose Kaynon and Phlow with special guest appearances by Ruggedman, Illbliss, Elajoe and B-Elect.

    In the skateboarding category, Fahd Bello emerged as the winner, Henry Okwubuasi came second position and Babatunde Kasumu came third. And in the BMX category which had over 20 participants, Mathew Temitope aka star boy bmx emerged winner while Israel Mayowa came second position and Olamide Sodiq came the third position.

    Speaking at the event, Valentine Ekanem, the founder of Juice Deluxe Skateboarding and BMX and also the Executive/Creative Director of StreamBox Nigeria Limited, thanked Red Bull, Limpo Clean, Yummie Delite and Deezy Sneaks Unboxed for their support in making the event a success.

    Juice Deluxe Skateboarding and BMX is an annual skateboarding and BMX competition managed by StreamBox, a Lagos-based activation and branding agency. It is designed to groom the amateur riders into pro riders capable of competing at any of the World Cup Skateboarding international tours.

  • Ruggedman supports maiden edition of Gidi Throw Down

    All is set for the maiden edition of Gidi Throw Down 2019, a series of competitive events that will feature skateboarding, BMX Freestyle, Graffiti, Spoken Words and DJ Freestyle.

    Scheduled to hold on Sunday, January 27, 2019 at the Indoor Sports Hall, University of Lagos, Nigeria, Gidi Throw Down is organised by Juice Deluxe Skateboarding (JDS) in collaboration with World Cup Skateboarding.

    The event which will be hosted by Rapmania Tha X and PG Blao will have artistes like Ruggedman, DJ Oz, AQ, Tech Zilla, Loose Kanyon, Blaqbonez, Lupee, Fizzy Mayur, Ipa Udo and Phlow in attendance.

    According to Streambox, an activation agency managed by Peter Samali and organisers of the annual event, JDS, affiliated and supervised by the World Cup Skateboarding “was created to promote the culture of skateboarding and also train the Nigerian skateboarders for international skateboarding representations. It is also a skateboarding competition series that will acccomodate skateboarders from the age of 18 years and above for now.”

    Speaking on the event, Valentine Ekanem, the project coordinator and Executive/Creative Director of Streambox, said that skateboarding and BMX are becoming popular in Nigeria, particularly in Lagos.

    “Many young Nigerians are now riders and this event is the first of its kind in the country,” says Ekanem.

    “We have built special ramps for the competition at the Indoor Sports Hall of Unilag. We’re also bringing BMX freestyle contest, spoken words, Graffiti, as well as DJaying. Ruggedman and other artistes are going to be there. And everything has been deployed to make it a grand event.”

    Interested riders and attendees should register at www.jdsk8.com for participation.