Nigerian rapper and humanitarian, Ruggedman, has said he believes the popular “Afrobeats” label used to describe Nigerian music might soon come to an end.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Rubbin’ Minds on Sunday, November 2, 2025, 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 celebrating how far Nigerian music has come globally, Ruggedman noted that he is proud of its growth but concerned about the quality of some recent releases.
“I’m happy it is Nigerian music, and it has changed, but the change I don’t fancy is the quality of the music,” he said.
He also questioned why legends like Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, King Sunny Ade, and Kwam1 are grouped under the Afrobeats label, saying the genre should have simply been called Nigerian music.
Ruggedman recently released acoustic versions of five of his hit tracks Ruggedy Baba, Baraje, Change, Won’t Battle, and One Man with the support of renowned guitarist Fiokee.
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