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Veteran Rapper, RUGGEDMAN Opens Up To City People
As veteran rapper Ruggedman clocks 53 on September 20, one question continues to follow him whenever a new picture of the rap icon surfaces: How is this man 53?
For an artiste who has been in the Nigerian entertainment industry for over 2 decades, Ruggedman has somehow managed to retain the youthful appearance that has become almost as recognizable as his music. Social media users regularly debate his age, with some jokingly calling him a “vampire” while others simply marvel at how young he looks.
However, behind the jokes is a man who says he does not have any complicated formula for turning back the clock. According to him, good genes, moderation, a selective diet, happiness and most importantly, peace of mind have played major roles.
Ruggedman has also never been one to live his life according to other people’s expectations. At 53, he remains fiercely protective of his peace, comfortable with cutting off unnecessary stress and focused on building his life on his own terms.
As City People Showbiz Reporter, Emmanuel Daniji catches up with the veteran rapper on the occasion of his 53rd birthday, he talks about the comments surrounding his age, his lifestyle, the importance of happiness and why he believes people can keep talking about his youthful appearance without forgetting the mark he has made on Nigerian music.
Let’s talk about something people always notice whenever your pictures surface online, your age. You are 53, but a lot of people still struggle to believe it. What do you think is responsible for your youthful look?
I can say my genes are largely responsible for how I look, though some of my friends are quick to point out that not smoking at all and not drinking a lot probably plays a major role too.
On top of that, my diet is quite weird. I’m incredibly picky when it comes to food and that applies especially to protein. For example, I only eat chicken, croaker fish and beef — and by beef I mean just pure beef. You will never catch me eating shaki, roundabout or any of those other assorted parts from a cow. Just the muscle meat for me. Every other form of protein is off the table.
Then, I also think a key factor is that I lead a very happy, jovial and contented life. I am a free spirit who genuinely loves to help people and I truly believe that having a good heart plays a huge part in how I look and feel.
Whenever your birthday pictures come out, people are always quick to comment about how young you look. Do you actually read those comments, and what goes through your mind when you see them?
I sometimes read those comments and even if I don’t, my friends will send them to me, calling me “vampire” like they always do, hahaha!
Honestly, the only thing that goes through my mind is a deep sense of gratitude to God for life. I thank God every day for life, especially when I think about how many friends we’ve lost along the way.
I’m still here, still being tagged “young” and a “vampire” because I look good. My secret? I am always happy.
At 53, you still and carry yourself with the energy of someone much younger. Is staying young something you consciously work on, or is it simply your lifestyle?
It is not something I consciously work on. I am just how I am. I live good and well. I don’t overstress myself.
Do you have any particular lifestyle habits like exercise, diet, skincare, sleep or anything else that you believe have helped you maintain your looks over the years?
I have learned to simply be myself. My peace is paramount. If you introduce unnecessary stress into my life, I will protect that peace by cutting you off and moving forward.
My life depends on no one but God, so I know I can thrive independently. I focus on my own journey and live well within my means.
There’s something I always say: “I have learnt how to manage my one naira, while I am hustling to make my 10 billion.”
Respecting boundaries is critical to who I am. While I am open, friendly and impartial to age or status, I expect mutual respect. I value that respect above all, but I am also ready to immediately address anyone who crosses those lines. This is the foundation of how I live.
When people look at you and say, “Ruggedman cannot possibly be 53,” do you sometimes wish people would focus more on your musical achievements than your age?
People saying I look young doesn’t mean they’re unaware of what I’ve accomplished. If they know who I am, they already know the value I’ve brought to the Nigerian entertainment industry.
Whenever they hear good Nigerian music, they know I helped lay that foundation. So, when people compliment my age, it just makes me happy. It means I’m taking good care of myself, and for that, I thank God.
They should go check out the new music I just dropped featuring Iyabo Ojo, Magnito and another one with 2Baba.
