Veteran Nigerian rapper Michael Ugochukwu Stephens, known to many as Ruggedman, has emphasized that the true essence of music extends far beyond the typical themes of money, women, sex, and drugs.
For the rapper, music is much more than just entertainment—it is a tool for communication, a medium for education, and a channel for raising awareness.
In a recent interview with Sunday Scoop, the rapper expressed his disappointment with the one-dimensional focus of many contemporary songs.
“There is more to music than talking about money, women, sex, and drugs. From the start, I have always known music to be a way of spreading information, so that can’t change with me,” he declared.
“The situation in Nigeria is more than enough to fuel any creative choice to speak through music.”
Ruggedman’s call for artists to engage with the realities of the nation comes at a time when many Nigerian musicians have been criticized for being disconnected from societal issues.
In his view, true artistry means reflecting the world around you, and for him, the state of Nigeria is a source of endless inspiration. He believes music should challenge minds, provoke thoughts, and bring light to hidden truths.
The rapper also addressed the backlash faced by some celebrities who were criticized for not publicly advocating for the release of social media personality VeryDarkMan.
Ruggedman insisted that advocacy is a personal decision, and while some choose to use their platforms for social causes, others may not.
“Everyone has their battles and their ways of showing support. You can’t force anyone to speak up, and you shouldn’t judge them for choosing not to,” he explained.
Beyond his musical career, Ruggedman has ventured into acting, a passion he has pursued since the late 1990s. He revealed that his foray into movies began when he took on minor roles in productions by the late Francis Agu.
“My going into movies didn’t start today. I featured as an extra (waka pass) in a few movies by the late Francis Agu in the late 1990s. I love movies and have always wanted to act and produce movies or TV series,” he shared.
On how he deals with criticism, Ruggedman explained that his experience as a music critic has taught him to welcome feedback, whether positive or negative.
“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 definitely love the praises too because it means one is doing well,” he noted.
In February, Ruggedman, who is 51, opened up about his personal life, sharing why he remains unmarried and without children.
He revealed that his decision not to have children outside of wedlock was a promise he made to himself when he was younger, and he has remained true to that vow.
As for marriage, he clarified that he is not opposed to it but has yet to meet the right person. “I’m not against marriage. I just haven’t found the one yet,” he concluded with a smile.
