Michael Stephens, the Nigerian rapper popularly known as Ruggedman, has performed worldwide alongside international artistes like KC & Jojo, Guru, Sean Paul, Wyclef Jean, Akon and many others. He tells ORUKPE NELSON how it all started.

When did you know you are going to become a musician?

I didn’t know I was going to become one, it all happened in stages. I loved music so much; I started by writing down lyrics. I have always desired to follow music to wherever it would take me.

What inspires your various creations?

Life and all the things that happen in it inspire me.

Tell us about your songs

I have three albums and a ‘collabo‘ album. Listing the songs will take too long. Instead, the titles of the albums are Thy Album Come, Ruggedy Baba, Untouchable and Money Making Music (MMM).

What was growing up like?

Growing up was not easy because my parents separated when I was six years old. My siblings and I moved to Lagos with our mum and all we had was each other. But I thank God for family togetherness and strength that is keeping us going. Now they are all abroad and I am doing my thing in Nigeria, all thanks to God.

Who do you look up to as a role model?

I look up to God and every successful legendary artiste.

What is your personal style?

My personal style is casual and free.

As a young and vibrant musician, what is your area of specialisation?

My area of specialisation is music and grooming young talents. I host talent shows and support a lot of young talents who have become big today.

Tell us about your family and educational background

I am from a Christian family of five. All of my educational background is in Lagos State; I am a graduate of political science from Lagos State University. I love movies.

What are you doing presently?        

Presently, I am working on my TSW clothing line and a second collaboration album with my artiste, Mbryo.

TSW?

TSW stands for Twentieth September Wears, named after my birth date. I am about to have an event to officially launch it. The collaboration album features artistes like Terry G, Wande Coal, Ice Prince, Reminisce, Olamide, Korede Bello, Victoria Kimani, Dammy Krane, Jaywon, Milli Mill and it will be dropping soon.

Do you consider the Nigerian environment perfect for your kind of job? 

Yes it is.

Why?

Well, I have been doing this job for over a decade. There are those who have been doing this job longer than I too and there are no regrets. We just need to put piracy in check and the environment will become better, if not perfect.

What do we expect from you this year?

Expect new designs from my TSW clothing line, a hot new album and hot new videos.

One has to pay through their nose to get your service. Does that encourage patronage?

Business is business. We talk and agree on a fee that suits both parties and I deliver on my services. That is what encourages patronage.

How do you handle female fans excesses?

I am naturally a nice guy. I party with them; I don’t give them the wrong impression and never lead anyone on.

What fashion designers occupy the most space in your wardrobe?

Phillip Plein, Versace, Richard Mille, Tom Ford, Givenchy and my own, Twentieth September Wears.

Apart from music, which other businesses are you into?

I am into fashion. I compere events, host TV shows and other small businesses.

Do you have any memory you don’t like to remember?

Yes. I guess that is why I can’t say it here because I don’t want to remember it. Laughs.

Is there anything you wish to change about yourself?

I don’t think I want to change anything about me; I love the way God made me.

Tell us about your perfect holiday destination.

My perfect holiday destination is anywhere I can be myself without the fear of anything I do, getting on a blog or TV. Anywhere I can have fun like everybody else. It can range from a 5-star hotel in Barbados to my room in my home.

Are you meeting up with your fans’ expectations?

I was a major force in the revolution that changed the Nigerian music scene for the better, paved the way for the great music they are listening to today. I am meeting their expectations.

What is your advice to other guys who wish to attain the height that you are now? Any challenge so far?

The game has changed now. When I came onto the scene, it was all about your talent and music, but now, it’s mostly about your money before your music and it’s sad. So apart from the talent, they need to see music like any other business and come with the capital needed to bankroll it. There are so many talented people out there wasting away just because they don’t have the money to pay to promote their music. So you need to embrace the industry fully.

What are your favourite style choices?

My favourite style choices are anything casual I feel good in and also look good on me.

Why did you choose music?

I chose music because I love music. I chose music because you can speak to the world through it and make a difference.

What is your philosophy in life?

My philosophy is everything in life is about choice’. Make yours and be responsible for whatever the outcome is’.

What will you never be caught wearing?

I will never be caught wearing a G-string.

What is your first line in toasting a woman?

 Hello.