Born Michael Ugochukwu Stephens on the 20th of September in Ebem… Read Full Bio ↴Bio
Born Michael Ugochukwu Stephens on the 20th of September in Ebem Ohafia, Abia state, all levels of schooling were done in Lagos state. I am a graduate of Political Science Lagos State University Ojo. I started loving rap music from around 1989 when I was learning the words in rap tracks I liked and rapping along to their instrumentals - until I decided that I could do mine, then I started writing my own lyrics. 1999 was when I put out my first cd for air play. The cd contained two tracks: 1, What If? - which was produced by and also featured Paul Play Dairo; and 2, "Gwo-gwo". These two tracks got massive airplay. Then in 2002 I decided to do a track criticizing a couple of Nigerian rappers and the track titled Ehen Part 1 has blown sky high nation wide.
My two new songs “BIG BROS” (in which I took on a so-called music mogul in Nigeria for trying to stop my song getting played on radio stations 'cos I talked about him) and “WHAT YOU GOT” (which is a dance track for people who said all I can do is diss) are both getting mega air play in Nigeria and abroad. My dance track is a favourite in a couple of Clubs in London and Ireland.
RUGGEDMAN is a no-nonsense, speak-my-mind type of nigga that stands up for the improvement and promotion of good Nigerian music no matter how much big men try to hold him down.
THE NAME:
The name came when I was in high school and fresh into the rap game proper.
Every one wanted a name that didn’t sound weak and Ruggedman was the one I came up with, after I thought Rugged Soul was a bit too deep and the tag 'Mc' a bit over flogged.
INFLUENCES:
My early influences came from NWA, KRS One, Poor Righteous Teachers, Leaders Of The New School, King Sun… etc. Now they are Nas, DMX, Eminem, Dr. Dre and especially all the wack rappers in Nigeria.
APPEARANCES:
My very first performance was at a secondary school ceremony in 1992. From
then on it's been performances in clubs and tertiary institutions. Other places of performance are: Mr. Macho - University Of Lagos (UNILAG) - 1994; Nigerian Carnival - National Stadium - 1994; Home movie soundtracks; Lyricist Lounge - held at club 11:45 for the Rap Legend Guru from America, Eve and Kc & Jojo - show (performed alongside Tony Tetuila).
Some others are: part of the opening act for Lagbaja some months back; a bit of acting in a Francis Agu movie, waka pass (movie extra) too because I wanted to know how it’s done; radio jingle; TV music show theme song (did the rap).
I also directed my first music video 2002, which was D’Banj’s “Kiss me again video”. I addition, opening act again for Lagbaja on 31st January 2003, where I started the sales of my “Ehen” singles cd - which is doing quite well now. I also organized a mock celebrity soccer match for The Kanu Heart Foundation, where I got other Nigerian artistes and celebrities like Plantashun Boiz, Paul Ik Dairo, Mr. Kool, Emma Ugolee, Maideena, Trybesmen, Nomoreloss, e.t.c, to play football. It was mad fun.
I've likewise performed at the national stadium at the Guinness stand for Coja All African Games; and have also performed alongside Dance hall sensation Sean Paul. Ruggedman's been performing all over Nigeria right now and is Nigeria's most wanted rap act.
"I am the most featured rap artist in Nigeria and the hottest out right now."
He's been on almost every newspaper, and the radio and tv stations love him being in their place cos he gets calls from the audience like crazy.
My video, Peace Or War is the best video ever done by a Nigerian and was number one for two and a half months on MBI top ten video count down. Ehen has so far spent a year on the MTN top ten count down on Cool fm. My new dance track “WHAT YOU GOT” has been #1 two months running on Star 101.5 fm's World New Flavour chart show and is on all the radio station charts.
I recently just got back from Ireland, Europe where I went to chill out a while and also promote myself and my music. I spread my cds to Near fm 101.6 Dublin - where I was also interviewed, and Today fm 100-102 Dublin. I shot clips for my new song Big Bros and met Raekwon The Chef of Wu Tang Clan.
AWARDS:
I won the Nigerian Fanta Fame Award for best new rap act/group or duo 2003 on the 31st of October. I also added to that, three awards at the just concluded Gbedu music awards for RAP ARTIST OF THE YEAR, BEST VIDEO OF THE YEAR, AND SONG OF THE YEAR. Awards have also been given to me by high schools and tertiary institutions for my contribution to the development of Nigerian rap music.
ARTISTES I HAVE FEATURED ON THEIR SONGS RELEASED & UNRELEASED:
Believe it or not, I am the most featured Nigerian rapper. I have rapped on over 20 tracks for people. Most of these were done before I even released Ehen part 1.
"...meaning my voice is going to be heard for a long time to come in this country and wherever the music is taken to…feel me?"
They are:
Tony Tetuila (2 Tracks on his latest album), Paul Play Dairo, Tony Tonnero, Lexzy Doo - formerly of the group X-Appeal, Sabina Jabari, D’Banj’, Segun Fakeye (Gospel), P-Flow (Gospel), Niyi (Gospel), Shawa, Chi Chi, Artquake, Nutty Pin,
OJB Jezreel, Magnum (London based rapper), George Nathaniel, Slam, Mr. Kool.
ARTISTES I HAVE FEATURED ON MY ALBUM PROJECT SO FAR:
Paul Play Dairo, C-Mion, Abounce, Jaffar, Azadus, Frank Ogbebor, Harmony,
Josh (A Congolese rapper).
PRODUCERS I HAVE WORKED WITH SO FAR:
Paul Play Dairo, Omololu, Ojb, Jezreel, Freestyle and Xaviar.
Sanwo
Ruggedman Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You fit to call am Ilesonmi Okpomulero
Ruggedy sanwo (Sanwo)
Seriously speaking awon temi yawo (Yawo)
Awa kilishe tawe this nawo (Nawo)
Oti lo sure ji confirma wama sanwo
Woma sanwo e sanwo mi so
Seriously speaking awon temi yawo (Yawo)
Awa kilishe tawe this nawo (Nawo)
Oti lo sure ji confirma wama sanwo
Woma sanwo e sanwo mi sanwo
E sanwomi sanwo
Dey don pay dey don pay
That na the result of working all day
Eh and that’s why I'm here
To drop another track
We can make the speakers tear
That’s why we flow stylistic
Touch you until you glow like a lipstick
I ain't got no time for misfits
All they do and distract to make you miss hits
Some no understand how I do my thing for me and my crew
Cus I make so much money
Some say I dey do yahoo
Awonma kpengbe kpengbe
Cus everything I do baba God don dey kemgbe jembe (Jembe)
To ba fo jembe jembe
Come close let me show you how to get there
Ruggedy sanwo (Sanwo)
Seriously speaking awon temi yawo (Yawo)
Awa kilishe tawe this nawo (Nawo)
Oti lo sure ji confirma wama sanwo
Woma sanwo e sanwo mi so
Ruggedy sanwo (Sanwo)
Seriously speaking awon temi yawo (Yawo)
Awa kilishe tawe this nawo (Nawo)
Oti lo sure ji confirma wama sanwo
Woma sanwo e sanwo mi sanwo
E sanwomi sanwo
Oh boy lets go and get do
That’s the manifesto catch me for the next show
Presto
Checks no cash please the stacks is gigantic
Basis can't match this
Ruggedy flashing like a paparazzi
Who swagger pass me in a matazazi
I make a lot but they only make this
Like a baseball player I only make hits
That my people can feel on a daily like paper
The people can all off like a maker (Ruggedy see money)
Bring Bullion van cause the thing dey plenty
Lets go there London Paris e dey there
We no fear fear (Cause anywhere the fari dey)
We show their
Ruggedy sanwo (Sanwo)
Seriously speaking awon temi yawo (Yawo)
Awa kilishem tawe this nawo (Nawo)
Oti lo sure ji confirma wama sanwo
Woma sanwo e sanwo mi so
Ruggedy sanwo (Sanwo)
Seriously speaking awon temi yawo (Yawo)
Awa kilishe tawe in this nawo (Nawo)
Oti lo sure ji confirma wama sanwo
Woma sanwo e sanwo mi sanwo
E sanwomi sanwo
Na who be your maga
Ijuazi yawo wonsanwo
Tami baba re jumisile
Inubimi ejeki no won mi
Tale bi enowo
Akilo tojule totuwan shako
Monyadi
Ruggedy sanwo (Sanwo)
Seriously speaking awon temi yawo (Yawo)
Awa kilishe tawe this nawo (Nawo)
Oti lo sure ji confirma wama sanwo
Woma sanwo e sanwo mi so
Ruggedy sanwo (Sanwo)
Seriously speaking awon temi yawo (Yawo)
Awa kilishe tawe in this nawo (Nawo)
Oti lo sure ji confirma wama sanwo
Woma sanwo e sanwo mi sanwo
E sanwomi sanwo
In the song "Sanwo" by Ruggedman, the lyrics depict the artist's success and wealth. The opening lines suggest that while some people refer to money as just "money," Ruggedman chooses to call it "Ilesonmi Okpomulero," which might signify the abundant riches and prosperity he has achieved.
The chorus of the song emphasizes Ruggedman's success and the admiration he receives from his fans, referred to as his "yawo." The phrase "awa kilishe tawe this nawo" can be interpreted as his team's determination and hard work paying off. It suggests that they have reached a level of success that has been confirmed by others, affirming their status.
In the second verse, Ruggedman explains his dedication to his craft and his commitment to producing quality music. He disregards those who may criticize his methods or accuse him of fraudulent activities (such as "yahoo" or internet scams). He believes that his success is the result of his hard work and the intervention of the divine, as mentioned in the line "Awonma kpengbe kpengbe, cus everything I do baba God don dey kemgbe jembe." Ruggedman aims to inspire others by showing them how to attain their own success.
The third verse emphasizes the immense wealth Ruggedman has accumulated. He mentions the need for a bullion van to transport the vast amount of money he possesses. The lyrics also touch upon his international success, mentioning cities like London and Paris. Ruggedman reflects his confidence and fearlessness in pursuing his dreams and desires, regardless of any challenges that may come his way.
In the fourth verse, Ruggedman questions those who doubt his success, referring to them as "magas" (unsuspecting victims). He advises them to be wise and not be fooled by appearances. He asserts his dominance in the industry, using metaphors such as "Tale bi enowo," meaning he is worth more than they can comprehend.
Overall, the song "Sanwo" by Ruggedman portrays his lavish lifestyle, hard work, and determination to achieve success. It also serves as a motivation for others to strive for greatness and never be discouraged by criticism or skepticism.
Line by Line Meaning
Some dey call am money money
Some people refer to it as money, money
You fit to call am Ilesonmi Okpomulero
You can also call it Ilesonmi Okpomulero
Ruggedy sanwo (Sanwo)
Ruggedy is victorious (Victorious)
Seriously speaking awon temi yawo (Yawo)
Seriously speaking, my friends are rejoicing (Rejoicing)
Awa kilishe tawe this nawo (Nawo)
We have achieved success, we've made it (Made it)
Oti lo sure ji confirma wama sanwo
We are absolutely certain of our triumph
Woma sanwo e sanwo mi so
We have achieved victory, my victory is evident
Oh boy lets go and get do
Oh boy, let's go and accomplish our goals
That’s the manifesto catch me for the next show
That's the plan, find me at the upcoming event
Checks no cash please the stacks is gigantic
Don't pay with checks, the amount of money is huge
Basis can't match this
Others can't compare to this level
Ruggedy flashing like a paparazzi
Ruggedy is shining brightly, like a paparazzi
Who swagger pass me in a matazazi
No one has a better swagger than me in a crowd
I make a lot but they only make this
I make a lot of money, but they only make this
Like a baseball player I only make hits
Just like a baseball player, I only produce successful outcomes
That my people can feel on a daily like paper
My people can experience this daily, like reading a newspaper
Bring Bullion van cause the thing dey plenty
Bring a Bullion van because there is a large quantity of wealth
Lets go there London Paris e dey there
Let's travel to cities like London and Paris, they are available
We no fear fear (Cause anywhere the fari dey)
We have no fear (Because wherever the fortune is)
We show their
We display our success
Na who be your maga
Who is your benefactor
Ijuazi yawo wonsanwo
Don't be deceived, they are not genuine
Tami baba re jumisile
Don't waste your time, come and join me
Inubimi ejeki no won mi
Don't be fooled by their tricks
Tale bi enowo
They are as empty as a container
Akilo tojule totuwan shako
Not everything that shines is a genuine treasure
Monyadi
They are deceivers
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind