[#ACE_ Interviews] EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH RUGGEDMAN …by Wale Applause

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As soon as i heard about the change of phase of “Ruggedy Baba” from part 1 to part 2, I wanted to be the first to know. My journey started on Wednesday 16th of May, 2012 when I woke up early in order to catch up with my appointment with the “Rugged” one. His simplicity and humility oozed as we went on a short tour during which i took advantage of asking questions. I tried not to make it look like an interview, but trust “Ruggedman”; he knew what I was up to. Here are excerpts of the remarkable moments spent with the man named “RUGGED”.

  • We all know Ruggedy, but for dose who don’t, please just give us a brief.

Michael Ugochukwu Stephens, born September 20.

  • Let’s talk about your background and lifestyle.

Born in Ebem Ohafia, Abia state – from a Christian family of 5 and studied “Political Science” in Lagos State University Ojo. My lifestyle’s easy because I am a happy, go-lucky, pace-setter who is a no-nonsense taking individual.

  • How did you come about music?

I got interested in music when I was very young. I had this uncle, Mr Jonathan Okeke who used to travel a lot and bring music videos and soon I realized I could write my own lyrics and get on my own instrumentals.

  • You are now a veteran in the music factory, what has always kept you going?

My natural love for music and entertainment generally keeps me going.

  • In a few words, define your kind of music.

My kind of music is Hip-hop, with a fusion of our local lingua. I’m inspired by “Fela Anikulapo Kuti” a lot, and so also “Bongo’zikwe” because of the way he basically sings – when I started watching music videos and listening to music, he was my inspiration.

  • Baba, when you go marry?

I will marry when I marry – lol

  • If you had to give a Ruggedman Award to the best Nigerian act, who will that be?

I bet “2face Idibia” bro, it’s definitely “2face”.

  • I know well about Ruggedy Baba part 1, and so why part 2?

It’s simple; the title is due to what both songs have in common – Hailing me ”Ruggedy Baba”.

Ruggedman ft. Mbyro – EXCLUSIVE #ACEWORLD DOWNLOAD

  • When’s your next joint?

I have joints with “2face”, “Wiz Boyy”, “Reminisce”, and “Terry G”. We are just trying to pick the next set of songs to do videos for.

  • What’s in the future, what do we expect from you in the nearest future?

Expect a feel-good album and the unveiling of the “Rugged Records” artistes.

  • “RUGGEDMAN”, how have you handled that name and fame?

I handle fame the same way I have always done, I don’t let it get into my head and I stay me and real every time.

  • Any proposed national and international collaboration or tour?

My part for now is to produce the album, I know management have some things up their sleeves and will let me know at the right time.

I see Nigerian music going farther than it has now. We have conquered Africa and it’s time to spread the net wider.

  • Advice to young rappers.

To up-coming artistes, I say music is like any other business now, you need capital to start it but the most important part is the talent. Without it, don’t bother.

  • Parting words!

Rugged Records” is here to stay and I say thank you all for the love and support for “Ruggedman” and his music over the years. God bless.

2 COMMENTS

  1. For a guy who didn't want his interviewee to suspect you were interviewing him, those were not some pretty smart questions.

    And why are you interviewing Ruggedman like he just started rapping? If you read his profile, you would know where he was born, how he started rapping et al.

    *Yawn*

    • thank you for commenting "Bunmi". I do believe the author and owner of this interview did so as regards the new song from Ruggedman, on which he featured "Mbyro" titled "Ruggedy Baba part 2". All-in-all, thanks for taking time out to comment …

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