Veteran Nigerian rapper Ruggedman is encouraging fellow musicians to explore deeper, more meaningful themes in their music. In a recent interview, the Baraje crooner voiced his concerns about the growing trend of songs focused only on money, women, sex, and drugs. He believes music should serve a bigger purpose.

For Ruggedman, music has always been a tool for enlightenment. He emphasized that artists have the power to spark important conversations through their lyrics. “There is more to music than talking about money, women, sex and drugs,” he said. “From the start, I have always known music to be a way of spreading information, so that can’t change with me.” He also noted that Nigeria’s current challenges offer more than enough inspiration for socially conscious music.

Ruggedman touched on the ongoing debate about celebrity silence on social issues. In particular, he addressed the backlash directed at public figures who didn’t speak out about the detention of social media personality Very Dark Man. According to him, advocacy is a personal decision. He believes people should be free to support causes they truly care about, without being pressured to speak out.

He also opened up about his growing interest in acting. Many fans may view his involvement in film as something new, but Ruggedman explained that it’s been part of his journey for decades. He first appeared as an extra in movies by the late Francis Agu in the 1990s. His passion for storytelling extends beyond music and into the world of film and television.

Ruggedman embraces both praise and criticism. He sees feedback—positive or negative—as a valuable tool for growth. As someone who critiques others, he understands the importance of learning from different perspectives.

Through both music and acting, Ruggedman continues to push for content that reflects real life. His mission is clear: create art that informs, uplifts, and makes a difference.

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