Ruggedman questions quality of Afrobeats music
Nigerian rapper Ruggedman has expressed concern about the direction of modern Nigerian music, saying the “Afrobeats” label may soon lose its true essence if current trends continue. Speaking during a recent interview, he reflected on the genre’s evolution, warning that the lack of originality and depth in today’s songs could diminish the global respect Afrobeats currently enjoys.
According to Ruggedman, many emerging artists are more focused on creating hits for social media rather than producing songs with substance and strong lyrical content. He argued that while the Nigerian music scene has achieved international success, much of what is being released today lacks the storytelling and authenticity that once defined African sound.
The veteran rapper, known for his socially conscious tracks in the early 2000s, said the music industry’s shift toward repetitive rhythms and shallow lyrics risks eroding the cultural foundation that made Afrobeats a global movement. He urged younger artists to take more pride in their craft and remember that true music should reflect both creativity and message.
Ruggedman also hinted that if the current trend persists, the world may stop recognizing the sound as “Afrobeats” and start categorizing it differently, since it no longer carries the depth or identity that originally distinguished it. He called for a return to originality, encouraging artists to balance entertainment with meaning to preserve the genre’s legacy.
