- Ruggedman claims to be the first young Nigerian artist to own a car, purchasing a BMW in 2004 for ₦900,000.
- His assertion has ignited controversy, with social media activist Verydarkman criticizing him alongside other celebrities.
- Ruggedman is engaged in humanitarian efforts and has recently launched a radio show to discuss issues affecting Nigerians.
- He has released a new EP titled “The Situation” and has collaborated with various artists, as well as appearing in movies.
Newsypeople – In a recent discussion with Echo Room, seasoned rapper Michael Ugochukwu Steven, widely known as Ruggedman, made a striking assertion regarding his early achievements within the Nigerian music scene.
He claimed he was the first young Nigerian artist to acquire a car, having bought a BMW for ₦900,000 in 2004, ahead of Afrobeats stars such as P-Square and D’banj.
Ruggedman noted that although some artists with cars were affiliated with Kennis Music at the time, those vehicles were provided by the label for official purposes and were not their personal property. He further emphasized his role as a pioneer in the industry, asserting that he was the first young artist to create posters and calendars to promote his music.
Wiki/Bio
| Name | Michael Ugochukwu Steven |
| Stage Name | Ruggedman |
| Born | 1977 |
| Occupation | Rapper, Activist |
| Years Active | 2000s – present |
| Notable Works | “Baraje,” “Ehen,” “Ruggedy Baba” |
| Awards | City People Music Award for Best Rap Album of the Year (2004) |
Ruggedman’s Assertion Raises Eyebrows
Ruggedman’s statement has stirred up some debate, with social media activist Verydarkman (VDM) responding to the rapper’s remarks. In a viral clip, VDM stated that he holds no respect for any Nigerian celebrities, including Ruggedman, expressing a decline in admiration for him.
VDM accused numerous celebrities of being fraudsters who utilize Ponzi schemes to deceive their fans and followers online. He voiced his frustration toward Ruggedman, referencing a previous incident in which the rapper was assaulted in London, and suggested that Ruggedman deserved greater consequences if this was his perspective.
Ruggedman’s Philanthropic Efforts and New Radio Program
Outside of his music career, Ruggedman is heavily engaged in humanitarian initiatives and has recently introduced a new radio program titled “Indeed with Rugged Man,” airing live every Thursday from 6 to 7 pm. The show addresses the issues faced by Nigerians and discusses avenues for seeking justice.
He believes that many Nigerians confront challenges but often feel unsure of where to turn or whom to trust in their pursuit of justice. Through his radio program, he aspires to create a space for people to express their concerns and discover solutions.
Ruggedman’s New EP and Collaborations
On October 28th, Ruggedman unveiled his latest EP titled “The Situation,” which he characterizes as a collection of socially conscious music featuring six tracks. He collaborated with Praise on the song “My Country” last year and released an instrumental version of “The Situation EP Challenge” online, providing an opportunity for two young unsigned artists to contribute to the EP.
The rapper has also worked alongside other musicians, including Mr. Real on the track “Religion but Nice” and Entertainment Wise. Additionally, he has made appearances in films such as Jim Ike’s “Bad Comments” and Tony Abraham’s “Ghost Undertale 2,” both of which were released in September and October.
FAQs
Q: What is Ruggedman’s claim about being the first young Nigerian artist to own a car?
Ruggedman claims he purchased a BMW for ₦900,000 in 2004, making him the first young Nigerian artist to own a car before Afrobeats icons like P-Square and D’banj.
Q: How has Ruggedman’s claim sparked controversy?
Ruggedman’s claim has sparked controversy, with social media activist Verydarkman criticizing him and other celebrities. VDM declared that he doesn’t respect any Nigerian celebrities, including Ruggedman, and alleged that most celebrities are scammers who use Ponzi schemes to defraud their fans.
Q: What other activities is Ruggedman involved in besides music?
Ruggedman is actively involved in humanitarian work and recently launched a radio show called “Indeed with Rugged Man” to address issues Nigerians face. He aims to provide a platform for people to voice their concerns and find solutions.
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