Veteran Nigerian rapper Michael Ugochukwu Stephens, popularly known as Ruggedman, has opened up about why he remains unmarried at 52, revealing how the demands of his music career and the end of a long-term relationship affected his journey towards marriage.
The rapper made the revelation during a recent radio interview, where he reflected on his years in the Nigerian music industry, his relationship experiences and his decision not to have children outside marriage.
According to Ruggedman, building his career consumed much of his time, leaving him with fewer opportunities to focus on settling down.
He also disclosed that a five-year relationship he believed would lead to marriage eventually ended, adding that he has not given up hope of finding a life partner.
Here are five key things Ruggedman revealed about his relationship status and plans for marriage.
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1. Music Career Took Up Much of His Time
Ruggedman explained that his commitment to building a successful music career was one of the factors that contributed to his remaining unmarried.
Reflecting on his early years in the entertainment industry, the rapper said he and many of his contemporaries were focused on working hard and establishing themselves professionally.
“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.
His comments highlight the challenges entertainers can face when trying to balance demanding careers with personal relationships.
For Ruggedman, the years spent pursuing his musical ambitions passed quickly, and marriage did not happen as he had expected.
2. His Five-Year Relationship Did Not Lead to Marriage
The rapper also revealed that he was once involved in a relationship that lasted five years and which he believed would eventually result in marriage.
However, the relationship ended before they could take that step.
Although he did not disclose the identity of his former partner or provide extensive details about their separation, he indicated that the experience affected his expectations about settling down.
The failed relationship appears to have been an important chapter in his personal life, particularly because he had hoped it would lead to a lasting commitment.
Ruggedman’s account suggests that despite spending years building his career and maintaining a serious relationship, marriage did not work out at the time.
3. Ruggedman Says 2Baba Was Luckier in Love
During the interview, Ruggedman compared his relationship experience with that of fellow Nigerian music star Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba.
He suggested that some entertainers had found partners who were willing to support them while they pursued their careers.
“2baba was lucky to have found partners who were ready to walk that road with him, I wasn’t that lucky,” Ruggedman said.
His remarks pointed to the importance of having a supportive partner while navigating the pressures and uncertainties of the entertainment business.
However, the comment reflected Ruggedman’s personal perspective on his own relationship journey rather than a broader judgment about the private lives of other musicians.
4. He Vowed Never to Have Children Outside Marriage
Ruggedman further explained that one of his personal principles has been to avoid having children outside marriage.
“The only thing I vowed is that I will never have a child out of wedlock,” he said.
The rapper’s statement offers insight into his approach to family life and the expectations he has maintained for himself.
Although he is currently unmarried, he has chosen not to become a father outside the institution of marriage.
His position also helps explain why he has continued to view marriage as an important milestone rather than simply abandoning the idea because of his age.
5. The Rapper Says It Is Never Too Late to Marry
Despite being 52 and currently single, Ruggedman insisted that he has not given up on the possibility of getting married.
When asked whether he believed it was too late for him to settle down, he rejected the suggestion.
“No, I don’t think it’s too late. It’s never too late. As long as you are alive, it’s never too late to get married,” he said.
The rapper also clarified during the interview that he is heterosexual after being asked about his sexuality.
His comments indicate that he remains open to marriage and does not consider his current relationship status a permanent situation.
Conclusion
Ruggedman’s revelation has offered a glimpse into the personal experiences behind his life as one of Nigeria’s veteran rappers.
From the demands of building his music career to the end of a five-year relationship, he has identified circumstances that contributed to his remaining unmarried at 52.
Nevertheless, the rapper says he has not abandoned his hopes of starting a family through marriage, maintaining that it is never too late to find a life partner.
For now, Ruggedman says he is single, but his comments make clear that he remains open to a new chapter in his personal life.
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