Empowered with money, influence, and visibility, celebrities hold immense power in the society. While some use that power to evade the laws of regular citizens, others decide to use that power to help said citizen
For those that don’t know Michael Ugochukwu Stephens, better known as Ruggedman, the Abia State-born rapper redefined the hip-hop industry in Nigeria far back in the early 2000s. These days he works as a tireless advocate for the youth, protecting them against SARs brutality. The amount of work he’s done as an activist is actually mind-boggling. The guy does not stop. Here is everything you need to know about him.
Ruggedman: Age and mini bio
Ruggedman was born on September 20 1975 in Ebem Ohafia Abia State. He completed his primary and secondary school education in Abia State before moving to Lagos where he studied Political science at the Lagos State University. After his graduation, he ventured into music to pursue a career as a rapper
Music
Ruggedman started his musical journey in the year 1999 by releasing two tracks he produced himself. The songs received massive airplay. Ruggedman went on to release four studio albums “Thy Album Come (2004)”
“Ruggedy Baba (2007)” “Untouchable (2010)’ and Money Making Music under his own record label Rugged Records. Some of his hit tracks include “Untouchable” which enjoyed massive airplay.
Ruggedman has performed alongside international acts such as Sean Paul, Wyclef Jean, Akon, Maxi Priest, Kanye West, LL Cool J, T-Pain, and Nas. Ruggesdman is also a TV host as he has hosted the prestigious NB Plc sponsored Star Quest Reality TV Talent Show in 2009, 2010, and 2011.
Activism
Ruggedman is on the leading frontline to drive meaningful change as he has remained vocal in his fight against police brutality. The rapper with other activists has confronted the dreaded yet controversial arm of the Nigerian police force known as SARS for their reputation in extorting and killing Nigerian youths who they consider to be living better. Since the rot in the SARs department began to come to the fore, Ruggedman has become a go-to person many youths call if they are harassed or extorted by some of these greedy SARs officers. The rapper has become a role model for young people who want to be more civically engaged. Its been a while the rapper released a song but we know that legends never retire.
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