Ruggedman criticises Afrobeats, calling it a misleading label that oversimplifies African music and undermines true talent
Veteran Nigerian rapper Michael Ugochukwu Stephens, professionally known as Ruggedman, has publicly criticised the categorisation of African music under the blanket term “Afrobeats.”
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Speaking in Lagos on March 26, 2026, during an interview with Day Genius, Ruggedman argued that the label misrepresents the continent’s rich musical diversity and is often applied to artists without merit.
Ruggedman, also known as Ruggedy Baba, insisted that Afrobeats is not a true genre but a “name talentless Nigerians hide behind.”
He claimed the trend of categorising African music as Afrobeats originated in the United Kingdom, where performers are frequently labelled without consideration of style or originality.
“I don’t like Afrobeats as an umbrella genre from every music coming out of Africa.
That was a mistake. I didn’t like it from the beginning, but when I complained, people accused me of being jealous or trying to gatekeep,” he said.
The rapper also criticised the overuse of autotune in modern Afrobeats, suggesting it discourages live performances and freestyling.
He explained that many chart-topping Afrobeats tracks rely on repetitive beats and slang, heavily promoted, rather than genuine musical skill.
Ruggedman’s comments highlight an ongoing debate within the African music industry about authenticity, artistry, and the global branding of the continent’s sound.
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Analysts note that while Afrobeats has expanded international visibility, discussions like Ruggedman’s underscore the need to recognise diversity and creative integrity in African music.
Mariam Balogun is a contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
