Veteran Nigerian rapper, Ruggedman, addressed perceptions of being left behind in the music industry, shedding light on the changing dynamics that impacted his career over the years. In a conversation on this week’s episode of #WithChude, the artist, who began his musical journey in 1999, offered perspective on the industry’s evolution and the challenges he faced.
Contrary to the notion that the industry moved past him, Ruggedman emphasized the inevitable nature of change in the entertainment landscape. He asserted, “The industry didn’t leave me behind. Things changed, music changed, production changed, and that was exactly what happened to me.” Recognizing the transient nature of fame, he stressed that longevity in the industry requires adaptability and strategic decision-making.
“Nobody reigns forever. I knew that nobody reigns forever, so the best thing you can do for yourself as an entertainer and in life is that you make the best of it. Build the bridges you can build, invest,” Ruggedman advised, reflecting on lessons learned from his journey.
Recalling his early career, Ruggedman shared insights into his multifaceted artistic ventures. “When I was coming up, I was a rapper before I delved into acting. I have a radio show, and I have a character that I created in skit making,” he explained. He highlighted his foray into acting, starting in 1993 to 1995, sharing anecdotes about collaborating with the late Francis Agu in his first movie feature.
The rapper-turned-actor spoke fondly of his diverse contributions to the entertainment industry, including hosting a radio show and creating characters in skits. He reminisced about his acting ventures, citing appearances in movies like Jim Iyke’s “No Bad Comment” and Toyin Abraham’s “Ghost and The Tout Too.”