Nigerian rapper Ruggedman has spoken against Nigerian Afrobeat stars by calling them talentless.
In a candid interview with Chude Jideonwo, veteran rapper Michael Ugochukwu Steven, known as Ruggedman, expressed his view that many individuals lacking talent are using the Afrobeats label as a shield.
He emphasized that when questioned about Afrobeats, he sees it as a facade utilized by numerous untalented individuals. Ruggedman contested the notion of “Afrobeats to the world,” stating it should be credited to specific artists rather than the genre itself.
“Afrobeats is what a lot of talentless people hide behind”
– Ruggedman pic.twitter.com/JjYjpcYHlJ
— 🐬 @𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗷𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗯𝗼𝘆 (@OneJoblessBoy) February 10, 2024
During the Interview, he said “When you ask me what Afrobeats is, I would say Afrobeats is what a lot of talentless people hide behind. 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”.
Additionally, he disclosed that despite facing criticism about his relevance as an artist, he finds solace in knowing that those criticizing him are likely influenced by his work. He went on to address his relationship with 9ice. Ruggedman disclosed that although he was the one who introduced singer 9ice to his ex-wife, Toni Payne, he was surprised to find out that he wasn’t invited to their wedding. He mentioned that he received a call from 9ice’s former wife on a particular Saturday, notifying him that it was their wedding day and that 9ice had instructed her not to extend an invitation to him.
Also Read: “Ruggedman Paved The Way For Me” – M.I Abaga
He disclosed that, “I introduced 9ice to Toni Payne but 9ice didn’t invite me to his wedding with her. One Saturday morning, I woke up to a call from Toni Payne. She was like, ‘Ahn ahnn! Where are you now?’ I said, ‘Where am I what? I am at home.’ She said they were getting married that day. I asked her why didn’t she tell me and she said she wanted to but 9ice said she shouldn’t tell me”.
