Entertainment
Why Ruggedman Abandoned Music For Fashion Biz
Early this year, one of the hip hop idols in Nigeria, Michael Ugochukwu Stephen, popularly known as Ruggedman, dropped a bomb shell that he would not be releasing any more album after the one he was working on at the moment and that he will be concentrating on his clothing business and using his Ruggedman leverage to promote his Rugged records, this declaration shattered his fans who were disappointed with his decision.
There were speculations why the popular hip hop master decided to quit the profession that gave him fame and money.
However, a recent information has it that Ruggedman’s decision was infact connected to Toni Payne, a designer and manufacturer of chain cosmetic products, based in Los Angeles, California, USA. She is also the wife of one of Nigeria’s greatest hip hop artistes, Abolore Adigun a.k.a gice.
Our source also revealed that the incident happened some years back as she helped Ruggedman facilitate a multimillion naira contract abroad and the money was what the ‘Baraje Master’ as he is also known used in setting up the expensive, but very lucrative fashion business.
It further disclosed that the amount of income generated in the business which is substantial is the reason why Ruggedman who would like to take after American rap star, 50 cents business ideology abandoned his music career.
It will be recalled that Ruggedman took the Nigerian music industry by storm years back. He entered into the industry dropping his controversial single “Ehn hen” in which he took on those who he believed were not practising the professional the way it is supposed to be. This initially gave him enemies in the industry , but events later showed that those he fingered in the song are now his friends as he has featured either in their movies or their songs. He recently veered into the fashion industry with his 20th clothing label.
Popular businessman and socialite, Pascal Okechukwu, aka Cubana Chief Priest, has said that his relationship with singer Davido is beyond money and gossip.
He stated this in a recent interview with BBC Igbo.
“Davido is my friend. He is my in-law; he married Chioma who is from Imo State where I hail from.
“So the relationship I have with Davido is beyond money and gossip,” he said.
DAILY POST reports that Chief Priest disclosed via his Instagram page that his outfit for the wedding of the singer, Davido and his wife, Chioma, in Lagos on Tuesday cost seven million Naira.
The socialite recently appreciated Davido for not “discarding” Chioma.
He stated that the DMW boss has made Imo State proud by choosing to marry from the state.
Nigerian singer Simisola Kosoko, popularly known as Simi, has lent her voice to the ongoing anti-tax hike protests in Kenya.
The Tide’s source reports that Kenyan youths are marching against tax hike in widespread demonstrations tagged ‘RejectFinanceBill2024.’
Five people were shot dead and dozens wounded after police clashed with protesters who stormed the parliament building in Nairobi on Tuesday, according to Amnesty Kenya.
Reacting via her X handle on Tuesday night, Simi declared her support for the demonstrators.
She stated that “it is both powerful and heartbreaking for a people to have to fight and die for freedoms and rights.”
The singer wrote, “I stand with the people of Kenya. It is both powerful and heartbreaking for a people to have to fight and die for freedoms and rights. Godspeed and Strength. [Hash tag] RejectFinanceBill2024.”
In a series of other posts, she wrote: “Wow. When you’ve had enough, the fight is almost inevitable.
“African leaders- have not you done enough?
“I can’t wait for the day Africa is not a weapon fashioned against Africans. All of this amazing Black power and human resource, but the majority are not likely to thrive unless they run.”
Famous Nigerian Afrobeat singer, Davido was spotted among other top artistes at Asake’s ‘Lungu Boy’ tour concert in Atlanta, Georgia.
Asake’s performance at his sold-out show at the 17,000-capacity State Farm Arena in Atlanta began on August 16, 2024, and is set to run for 10 days.
In a trending video on social media, Davido appeared backstage with American rapper Quavo to support Asake during the live performance.
Other musicians in attendance included Nigerian hitmaker Zlatan and American rapper Russ Millions.
The Tide’s source reports that Asake’s ‘Lungu Boy’ tour is set to cover six U.S. cities, where he will headline notable venues including Madison Square Garden in New York, the Toyota Center in Houston, and the State Farm Arena in Atlanta.
Asake’s tour comes just days after the release of his latest hit, ‘Lungu Boy,’ which features several superstars, including Wizkid, British rappers Central Cee and Stormzy, Travis Scott and Brazilian singer Ludmilla.
‘Lungu Boy’ set a new record for the biggest opening week on Spotify Nigeria, garnering 18.9 million streams in its opening week and breaking the previous record of 14.4 million streams held by Davido’s ‘Timeless.’
