Veteran Nigerian rapper Michael Ugochukwu Stephens, popularly known as Ruggedman, has opened up about why he is still unmarried at 52, blaming the demands of his music career and the painful end of a five-year relationship for his current situation.
The rapper made this revelation during a recent radio interview, where he admitted that getting married and having children had always been part of his plans. However, his journey in the Nigerian music industry took up much of his time, leaving little room for his personal life.
According to Ruggedman, he began his career at a time when musicians had to rely heavily on their own efforts to survive and succeed in the industry.
“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,” he said.
Reflecting on the experiences of some of his colleagues, the rapper noted that others, including legendary singer 2Baba, were fortunate to find partners who were willing to support them through their careers.
“2baba was lucky to have found partners who were ready to walk that road with him, I wasn’t that lucky,” he explained.
Ruggedman also revealed that he once had a five-year relationship that he genuinely believed would end in marriage. Unfortunately, the relationship eventually fell apart after an incident he chose not to disclose.
“I had a five year relationship that I thought would lead to marriage but something happened and it crashed,” he said.
The rapper confirmed that he is currently not dating anyone, making it clear that he remains single despite his desire to settle down someday.
“Currently, I’m not in any relationship,” he stated.
Speaking about fatherhood, Ruggedman stressed that one promise he has made to himself is never to have a child outside marriage. He maintained that he would rather wait for the right partner than go against that personal principle.
