Veteran Nigerian rap artiste, Michael Ugochukwu Stephens popularly known as Ruggedman, is bereaved. In a chat with Daily Trust, the rapper-turned-actor stated that his father died on Tuesday after a brief illness.
Ruggedman, currently Chairman of media at the Performing Musicians Employers’ Association of Nigeria (PMAN), said that his father died at 88.
Speaking about his late father, the iconic rapper stated that he would miss his dad, most especially as he did not grow up with him as his late father was separated from his mother at an early age.
He said “Yes I lost my father yesterday. He was ill and before they could take him to the hospital he died. He was about 88 years old when he died. But we thank God for life.
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“When it comes to missing him, I have been missing him but I do not want to talk about his death so much. He was separated from my mother so I did not spend so much time with him. He has gone, and he has gone.”
Meanwhile, taking to his verified Instagram account, the rapper posted a picture of candlelight with the caption, “I don’t even know how I feel or what to feel. RIP Dad.”
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A graduate of political science from Lagos State University, Ọ̀jọ́. Ruggedman started exploring music in 1999. He produced his own songs and released two tracks in 1999, which were well-played on radio.
Ruggedman launched himself into the music industry in 1999, eventually becoming the most featured rapper in Nigeria at the time. His albums are all released on his personal label, Rugged Records. He has performed worldwide alongside international acts such as Sean Paul, Wyclef Jean, Akon, Maxi Priest, Kanye West, LL Cool J, T-Pain, and Nas.
