Rapper Ruggedman has faulted the grouping of music legends like Fela Kuti and King Sunny Ade as Afrobeats artistes.
He said Fela’s Afrobeat differs greatly from today’s pop-driven Afrobeats sound.
Veteran Nigerian rapper and activist, Michael Ugochukwu Stephens, popularly known as Ruggedman, has criticised the classification of legendary musicians like Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, King Sunny Ade, and Kwam1 as Afrobeats artistes.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Rubbin’ Minds, Ruggedman explained that many people wrongly group pioneers of Afrobeat with today’s pop stars under the same label. He clarified that Fela’s Afrobeat is a revolutionary, instrument-heavy genre, while Afrobeats refers to the modern, commercial African pop sound dominating the charts today.
Ruggedman expressed concern that the Afrobeats tag could fade soon, noting that while Nigerian music now leads globally, its quality has declined. “I just have a feeling that this whole Afrobeats tag might end soon. Nigerian music is in the forefront, and I’m proud of that. But the quality of music not too many are giving me what I truly respect,” he said.
On the state of rap, he lamented that the genre has taken a back seat because artists now chase quick fame and money. He also spoke about his new acoustic project featuring guitarist Fiokee, describing it as an opportunity for fans to “hear the lyrics and feel the soul behind the music.”
