Veteran Rapper Ruggedman Slams Afrobeats Label As A Shield For Talentless Artists And Musical Homogeneity

Veteran rapper Ruggedman warns that the Afrobeats label hides a lack of talent and relies on autotune, calling for a return to musical diversity and live skill.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 26, 2026, 6:58 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from The Nation

Rapper Rejects Global Branding As Harmful To African Musical Identity

Ruggedman, a cornerstone figure in the Nigerian hip hop scene, has voiced strong opposition to the global adoption of "Afrobeats" as a universal descriptor for all music originating from the continent. Speaking in a recent interview with Day Genius, the rapper characterized the label as a fundamental mistake that misrepresents the actual variety of genres produced by African artists. He expressed frustration that even established performers with distinct styles are often lazily categorized under this single umbrella when touring internationally. According to Ruggedman, he had raised these concerns during the early stages of the term's rise in popularity, but his critiques were dismissed at the time as gatekeeping or professional envy.

The Rise Of The Catch All Label From Foreign Markets

The veteran artist traced the origins of the "Afrobeats" nomenclature specifically to the United Kingdom, where he claims the trend of grouping diverse African sounds together first gained traction. Ruggedman noted that while Nigerians often embrace such classifications out of a desire for perceived classicism or unity, the reality is a loss of genre specificity. He argued that the "S" at the end of "Afrobeats" distinguishes it from the original Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti, but in doing so, it has created a void where unique artistic identities are swallowed by a generic commercial brand. This shift, he suggests, prioritizes marketability over the preservation of the individual musical heritage of various regions and sub-genres.

Criticism Of Technical Skill And Reliance On Production Value

A central theme of Ruggedman’s critique is the perceived decline in technical proficiency among those who identify primarily with the modern Afrobeats sound. He asserted that the genre has become a sanctuary for individuals who lack genuine musical talent, allowing them to achieve success through catchy instrumentation rather than vocal or lyrical depth. By focusing on repetitive street slang and infectious rhythms, these artists can create "hits" that mask a lack of fundamental ability. Ruggedman emphasized that this reliance on the "vibes" of a track often results in a product that is more a triumph of sound engineering and financial investment than of raw artistic merit.