Ruggedman's Surprising Confession: Why He's Still Single at 51

 

Michael Stephens aka Ruggedman

Nigerian rapper and activist Michael Stephens, popularly known as Ruggedman, has shared the reason behind his decision to remain unmarried and child-free at 51.

During an appearance on TVC’s "Your View", the veteran artist opened up about his personal life, revealing that he made a vow in his younger years never to have a child out of wedlock—a commitment he has upheld to this day.

When asked by the hosts if he had a partner or children, Ruggedman confirmed that he did not. Explaining his decision, he said:

"The crazy thing is, when I was much younger, I vowed not to have a child out of wedlock. So, I still dey look am whether na right decision I make last last, but, still I just decide because e dey take a lot from both parties."

He emphasized that marriage and fatherhood should be entered into with the right person—someone one genuinely wants to be with for life.

The hosts pressed further, asking if he had ever met someone he considered “the one” over the years. He admitted that he had, but things did not work out.

"I have seen some, but at the end of the day, it didn’t pan out," he said.

Ruggedman then shared a personal experience about a woman he once considered marrying. However, her mother influenced her decision to choose another man—a wealthy individual who was offering lucrative contracts to her family.

One of the show’s hosts commented that Ruggedman appears responsible, expressing surprise that he isn’t married. However, he countered by saying that marriage isn’t about responsibility, pointing out that many irresponsible people are married.

The rapper also made it clear that he refuses to succumb to societal pressure when it comes to marriage.

When asked if he was difficult to live with, Ruggedman responded that he isn’t—but he also won’t make a decision that isn’t good for him.

He stressed that while many complain about life being hard, some of that hardship comes from knowingly making poor choices.

"I won’t knowingly make a wrong decision. People say life is hard, but sometimes it’s because they make choices they know aren’t right for them," he said.

Agreeing with the hosts that he is a principled person, he concluded by saying, "I don’t bend."