Veteran Nigerian rapper Michael Ugochukwu Stephens, popularly known as Ruggedman, has emphasized that music should serve a greater purpose beyond glorifying money, women, sex, and drugs.
In a recent interview with Sunday Scoop, Ruggedman called on Nigerian artists to reflect the realities of the country in their music, asserting that the nation’s challenges offer rich material for creative expression.
“There is more to music than talking about money, women, sex and drugs,” he said. “From the start, I have always known music to be a way of spreading information, so that can’t change with me. The situation in Nigeria is more than enough to fuel any creative choice to speak through music.”
He also responded to the criticism some celebrities received for not publicly supporting the release of social media activist VeryDarkMan, stressing that advocacy is a personal decision and should not be forced.
Shifting focus, Ruggedman opened up about his passion for acting, revealing that his journey into the film world began in the late 1990s when he appeared as an extra in films by the late Francis Agu. He noted that his interest in storytelling extends beyond music and includes producing movies or TV series.
Addressing critics of his career transition, the rapper stated, “As a serious critic myself, I am open to and take criticism well because it’s one of the ways you learn and improve. I love the praises too because it means one is doing well.”
The 51-year-old also touched on his personal life, reiterating his decision to remain unmarried and child-free for now. He explained that he made a vow in his youth not to have children outside of wedlock and is committed to keeping that promise. While he is open to marriage, he noted that he simply hasn’t met the right person yet.
Story by Obaapa Janee/ahotoronline.com
