Dare Babalola
Veteran rapper, Michael Stephens, popularly known as Ruggedman, stated that the ease of production is a major reason why Afrobeats has overshadowed rap in the country, with the genre’s popularity eclipsing that of hip-hop.
Noting that the genre has lost ground to afrobeats in recent years, the rapper reflected on the evolution of the Nigerian music scene and his personal journey within it.
“Rap in Nigeria has taken a back seat to afrobeats because it’s easier to make afrobeats. Good rap requires more than just a catchy beat and popular street lamba (slang). People in this generation want the easy life. They prefer to vibe to simple sounds, and that’s what afrobeats gives them. Also, financially, you can make money quicker with afrobeats; so most people would rather invest in it. I don’t blame them for that,” he told Punch on Saturday.
When asked if Nigerian rap is evolving or merely adapting to survive, he replied, “Rap in Nigeria is both evolving and adapting to survive. The few who still do straight rap are evolving; they’re rare. But those who fuse rap with singing or afrobeats are adapting to survive. Again, I don’t blame them because you don’t pay bills with titles like ‘the best rapper’ or ‘legendary rapper.’”
The rapper also reflected on his legacy, bemoaning that he does not get enough recognition for his contribution to the industry.
Ruggedman said, “I don’t think I got enough recognition for what I contributed to Nigerian hip-hop culture, but I’m etched in the history books for life, and I believe a time will come when I’ll get my flowers.
“Sometimes I see posts online about Nigerian rap from my era, and my name is omitted while rappers who came after me are mentioned. I just laugh because I also see people commenting, ‘Your list isn’t complete if Ruggedman’s name isn’t on it.’ That tells me there are still people who know the real history. When I realise some Gen Z folks make such posts, I understand they know little about our era; they’re too lazy to research, so I forgive them. I only step in publicly when someone or a body that should know better tries to misinform people about Nigerian music history; then, I correct them.”
