Ace rapper and music producer, Michael Stephens, aka Ruggedman, opens up on his career and some controversies
What projects are you working on currently?
Presently, I am working on new songs, videos, promoting my clothing line and a concert. I recently shot the video for my track, 8 Figures (TSW remix),
in which I featured Ice Prince. I am also working on a few other
tracks, which I do not want to disclose at this time. I have been
recording new music with Olamide, Oritsefemi, Solidstar, Glenmenna and
2face. I have also been creating new designs for my clothing line, Twentieth September Wear. Recently, I released the song, titled Seyi Shay. I featured Olamide in it and it is doing very well. We are already making plans to shoot the video.
What is the secret of your longevity in the industry?
I have been real from the outset till
today. I have also adapted to every change in the music industry. I have
been able to do more than just music and God has never failed me. The
fact that I am a very creative and hard-working person contributed to
making me relevant.
You have been caught up in
several controversies at different points in your career. Did you
consider them to be as threats to your career?
I do not see controversies as a threat; I
see them as part of life’s lessons, which I have learnt a lot from. I
see them as reality checks and most of them helped in further engraving
my name on the Nigerian music industry. Ruggedman’s career is a story on
its own. In fact, it has been action-packed. I have even been
approached to make a movie out of it.
How did you pull through?
I pulled through by being real, staying
true to myself and being vocal about it. I never faked anything and
never backed down from speaking the truth when necessary. I am a good
guy and on one of those situations, the truth finally came out years
later; I was exonerated.
What is your relationship with 9ice and Toni Payne?
9ice is my friend and colleague who I
had a misunderstanding with; and Toni Payne is a super woman and a very
good friend. She was the first person to put my music and videos online.
She was also the first person to do an online interview with Ruggedman.
She helped in the production of the first set of TSW shirts that were
manufactured abroad and that is why I will always appreciate her.
What lessons did you take away from the whole episode?
I learnt to always be true. Be careful
how close you get to people and how close you let them get to you.
Finally, expect any and everything from human beings. That is why
nothing surprises me anymore. I do my best to handle a situation that
arises and I move on positively.
What could be the reason some of your colleagues have beef with you sometimes?
I do not know any colleague of mine who
is aggrieved by me. I only had personal issues with a friend that was
blown out of proportion because we did not handle it on time. So if a
colleague of mine says he or she has a beef with me, please ask them
why. If anyone has a beef with me and doesn’t let me know, it should not
bother me.
What inspired your song, Seyi Shay? Are you crushing on her?
It is the biggest crush you can find.
She is hot, a great singer, real and her hustling spirit is the turn on
for me. The inspiration came when I saw her dance in a music video. The
way she moved made me wish to see her dance to my song like that. So
there and then, I decided to title my next dance track, Seyi Shay. Featuring Olamide made it a bang.
Why have you refused to get married?
If my fans believe that, then they should be asked who or what gave them that impression. I never said anything like that.
In the past, you dated Isio Wanogho and Olaide Olaogun. Why didn’t any of those relationships lead to marriage?
I only dated Isio. Olaide and I have been friends, even before I met Isio. People date and break up and it happened with us.
What attracts you to a woman?
Her carriage, sense of humour, nice personality and sense of responsibility appeal to me.
What else are you passionate about apart from music?
I love movies, playing and watching
soccer. I do a lot of charity work and it is not just because I am a
United Nations Peace Ambassador. I love to give back whenever I get the
chance to do so.
What does style mean to you and what influences the way you dress?
Style to me is how I wear what I wear
and what makes me feel and look good. I love casual wear a lot and I
guess that was why I kicked off my TSW clothing line with casual wear.
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