Veteran rapper and humanitarian Michael Ugochukwu Stephens, better known as Ruggedman, has stirred conversation within Nigeria’s music industry after predicting that the Afrobeats tag—the globally recognized label for contemporary Nigerian pop music—might soon lose its dominance.
Speaking during an appearance on television show, Rubbin’ Minds over the weekend, Ruggedman shared his conviction that the time may be near for Nigerian music to evolve beyond its current branding.
“I just have a feeling that this whole Afrobeats thing, the tag might end soon. Nigerian music is in the forefront, and I’m happy it is Nigerian music,” he said.
According to him, while the Afrobeats tag has helped propel Nigeria to the global music stage, it may no longer fully represent the depth and diversity of the country’s sound.
The Future of the Afrobeats Tag
Ruggedman’s comments reflect a growing debate among industry veterans who argue that the Afrobeats tag—originally coined by Western media to describe various African pop sounds—has outlived its accuracy.
The rapper emphasized that what truly matters is not the label but the recognition that Nigerian music now leads global entertainment trends.
However, he expressed disappointment in what he described as a decline in lyrical and artistic quality among many new-generation artists.
“The only change that I don’t fancy much is the quality of the music. Not too many of them are giving me what I really respect,” Ruggedman said.
He pointed out that while Afrobeats has amplified international visibility, some of its output prioritizes commercial success over creativity and social commentary.
Differentiating Afrobeat from Afrobeats
In clarifying his perspective, Ruggedman drew a clear line between Afrobeat, the politically charged, jazz-influenced genre pioneered by Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, and Afrobeats, the modern blend of pop, dancehall, and R&B that currently dominates streaming platforms.
He noted that grouping legends like Fela Kuti, King Sunny Ade, and Kwam 1 under the Afrobeats tag would be historically inaccurate.
Instead, he prefers to identify them under the umbrella of “Nigerian music,” a term he believes better captures the evolution and diversity of the nation’s soundscape.
“Afrobeat and Afrobeats are not the same. Fela’s sound had structure and message, while today’s version leans more toward rhythm and commercial appeal,” he explained.
The Struggles of Rap in the Afrobeats Era
Ruggedman also used the opportunity to discuss the decline of Nigerian rap, attributing its struggle to economic realities and industry priorities.
According to him, many artists have abandoned rap because it is more expensive to produce and promote than mainstream Afrobeats.
This financial imbalance, he said, discourages labels and promoters from investing in hip-hop culture.
“Unfortunately, rap has taken a back seat because people want to do something that gives them money quickly. Not too many people are doing rap, and it costs more to push and promote rap than Afrobeats,” he lamented.
He urged industry stakeholders to create better support structures for rappers, highlighting the genre’s power to address real issues and inspire youth culture.
Building an Independent Nigerian Music Industry
Beyond the Afrobeats tag, Ruggedman raised concerns about Nigeria’s overreliance on foreign distribution channels and the constant pursuit of international validation.
He called for the establishment of local music infrastructure—from streaming platforms to marketing agencies—that would empower Nigerian artists to fully control their intellectual property and revenue.
“We shouldn’t keep depending on others to distribute our music. It’s time we build systems here that support our own,” he said.
Ruggedman’s Acoustic Rap Project and Upcoming Collaborations
In a creative twist, Ruggedman announced that he had released acoustic versions of five of his most iconic songs—Ruggedy Baba, Baraje, Change, Won’t Battle, and One Man—featuring only the acclaimed guitarist Fiokee.
He described the project as a first-of-its-kind in Nigerian rap, designed to reconnect listeners with the emotional depth and lyrical consciousness that defined his early career.
“This is the first time a Nigerian rapper has done an acoustic project—just guitar and rap,” Ruggedman said. “It lets you hear the lyrics and feel the soul behind every word.”
Looking ahead, Ruggedman revealed plans for major collaborations in 2026 with artists like Odumodublvck, Jeriq, Magnito, and 2Baba, signalling his renewed commitment to advancing Nigerian hip-hop amid the dominance of the Afrobeats tag.
“We’re bringing back rap with purpose and melody. It’s time for Nigerian hip-hop to rise again,” he declared.
Redefining Nigerian Music Beyond Afrobeats
As the global appetite for African sound continues to grow, Ruggedman’s insight offers a timely reflection on where Nigerian music is headed next.
While the Afrobeats tag has undeniably elevated the nation’s creative reputation, his comments underscore the need for artists to maintain authenticity, innovation, and strong local identity in the face of global commercial pressures.
If his prediction holds true, the next chapter of Nigerian music may see the emergence of a new identity—one that blends creativity, lyrical excellence, and the distinct spirit of the culture that gave birth to Afrobeats in the first place.
