Veteran rapper Michael Ugochukwu Stephens, better known as Ruggedman, has reflected on how the demands of his music career and the breakdown of a long-term relationship contributed to his remaining unmarried at 52.
Speaking during a radio interview, the Nigerian artiste opened up about his personal life, recalling his desire to settle down and raise a family despite the challenges he encountered along the way.
Although marriage and fatherhood were part of his plans, Ruggedman explained that building a career in the music industry took up much of his time. He recalled entering the industry when artistes had to rely heavily on their determination and personal efforts to succeed, leaving little room for other aspects of life.
According to him, the intense demands of pursuing a career in music gradually consumed the time he might otherwise have devoted to building a family.
“I am one of those who got into the industry back in the day where all we had was our hustle and we faced it and before you know it, time was gone. 2Baba was lucky to have found partners who were ready to walk that road with him, I wasn’t that lucky. I had a five year relationship that I thought would lead to marriage but something happened and it crashed,” he said.
The rapper's account also highlighted the role of personal circumstances in his journey, particularly the breakdown of a five-year relationship that he had expected to culminate in marriage.
While acknowledging that some of his contemporaries found partners willing to share the demands and uncertainties of their careers, Ruggedman suggested that his own experience was different.
He further disclosed that he is currently not in a romantic relationship, adding that he remains firm on his decision not to have children outside marriage.
“Currently, I’m not in any relationship. The only thing I vowed is that I will never have a child out of wedlock,” he said.
His remarks offer a glimpse into the personal sacrifices and relationship challenges that have accompanied his years in the entertainment industry, while underscoring his continued commitment to having children only within marriage.