Veteran rapper, Michael Ugochukwu Steven, popularly known as Ruggedman, has taken a bold stance on the term “Afrobeats,” stating that it has become a refuge for talentless artists. In a candid interview with Chude Jideonwo, Ruggedman expressed his views on the music genre and its contemporary representation.
According to Ruggedman, the term “Afrobeats” is often misused, allowing talentless individuals to hide behind it. He emphasized, “When you ask me what Afrobeats is, I would say Afrobeats is what a lot of talentless people hide behind.”
The rapper challenged the notion that Afrobeats is a universal representation of Nigerian music, asserting that it should be attributed to specific artists rather than the entire genre. He clarified, “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.”
Addressing criticism on social media about his relevance as an artist, Ruggedman maintained his confidence, stating, “Whoever he or she [the troll] is listening to right now is inspired by me.” This declaration reflects the veteran rapper’s enduring impact on the Nigerian music scene.
As discussions around the term “Afrobeats” continue to evolve, Ruggedman’s perspective adds a nuanced dimension to the ongoing conversation about the genre’s identity and representation in the global music landscape.
I’ve been regularly checking out this fantastic website lately, they share great material for their users. The site owner is gifted at engaging visitors. I’m a big fan and hope they maintain their wonderful efforts!