In a frank conversation with Chude Jideonwo, veteran rapper Ruggedman, also known as Michael Ugochukwu Steven, voiced his views on the music industry. He expressed his concern that many “talentless people” are leveraging the Afrobeats label as a shield for their lack of skill.
Ruggedman emphasized that the term Afrobeats has been misappropriated, stating, “Afrobeats is what a lot of talentless people hide behind.” He urged for a distinction to be made, asserting, “It’s not the Afrobeats [genre], it’s some artists.”
Sharing the pain of facing derogatory comments on social media about his relevance in the industry, Ruggedman turned the criticism into a source of motivation. He reflected, “Whoever [the troll] is listening to right now is inspired by me,” emphasizing the long-lasting impact of his artistry.
This candid interview sheds light on Ruggedman’s perspective and the challenges within the Afrobeats industry, prompting a critical examination of the authenticity and talent in modern music.
