Veteran rapper Michael Ugochukwu Steven, famously known as Ruggedman, in a candid conversation with Chude Jideonwo, he pulls no punches in his assessment of the current state of the Afrobeats genre.
Ruggedman’s perspective on Afrobeats is uncompromising. He sees it as a refuge for those lacking genuine talent, a label conveniently adopted by artists who fail to measure up creatively.
“When you ask me what Afrobeats is, I would say Afrobeats is what a lot of talentless people hide behind,” he asserts, his words echoing with a sense of disappointment.
To Ruggedman, the issue lies not with the genre itself but with how it has been co-opted by certain individuals.
He distinguishes between the genre’s essence and the artists who have come to represent it on a global stage.
“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,” he clarifies, drawing attention to the discrepancy between genuine talent and mere pretenders.
Despite his firm stance, Ruggedman is not immune to the sting of criticism. He admits to feeling hurt when faced with online trolls who claim his time as an artist has passed.
Yet, rather than allowing himself to be consumed by negativity, he finds strength in the realization that his influence transcends the opinions of naysayers.
“But what I said to myself is whoever he or she [the troll] is listening to right now is inspired by me,” he reflects, revealing a resilience born out of years of experience in the industry.
Ruggedman’s words serve as a sobering reminder of the importance of authenticity in an industry increasingly dominated by commercial interests.
As Afrobeats continues to gain traction on the global stage, it must not lose sight of its roots nor compromise its artistic integrity in pursuit of mainstream success. In a landscape where genuine talent is often overshadowed by superficiality, Ruggedman’s voice stands as a beacon of authenticity, challenging both artists and audiences alike to demand more from the music they consume.
