Rapper, Ruggedman says the ‘Afrobeats’ tag might soon end, questions quality of today’s music

Veteran Nigerian rapper and humanitarian, Ruggedman, has said he believes the Afrobeats tag attached to Nigerian music might not last much longer. Speaking on Channels Televisions Rubbin Minds on Sunday, the rapper, whose real name is Michael Ugochukwu Stephens, said: I just have a feeling that this whole Afrobeats thing, the tag might end soon. While expressing joy that Nigerian music is now at the forefront globally, he noted that the quality of songs being produced is one of the changes he doesnt fancy. The only change that I dont fancy much is the quality of the music, and not too many of them are giving me what I really respect, he said. Ruggedman also spoke about the difference between Afrobeat pioneered by the late music legend Fela Kuti and Afrobeats, the modern African pop sound dominating the airwaves today. He further lamented the decline of rap in the Nigerian music scene, saying that many artists have abandoned the genre because its harder and more expensive to promote compared to Afrobeats. Unfortunately, rap has kind of taken a backseat, because people want to do something that gives them money quickly, he added. The rapper also questioned the need for validation from foreign music bodies and wondered why industry players often rely on outsiders for recognition. According to him, categorising legends like Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, King Sunny Ade, and Kwam1 under the same Afrobeats tag doesnt sit right. I wish they had just left it at Nigerian music, Ruggedman said.The post Rapper, Ruggedman says the Afrobeats tag might soon end, questions quality of todays music appeared first on Linda Ikeji Blog.