Nigerian Hip Hop artiste, Michael Ugochukwu Steven, popularly known as Ruggedman, has revealed that he’s added skit making into his portfolio.
The ‘Baraje’ crooner said that unknown to many people, he started his career as an actor, who played minor roles in some movies before he became a popular rapper.
Ruggedman who has been missing from the music scene for some years, made the disclosure during a recent interview with Hip TV.
He said; “I created a character called ‘Mazi Kalu.’ He is Igbo, old man, has problems but at the same time, sometimes tries to solve problems.
“And if you know Ruggedman, I have always been in acting. I did my first waka pass [minor role], I think even before I became Ruggedman. I play extra in like two movies, Francis Agu’s movies back in the days. Of Course, you can find me in Toyin Abraham’s ‘The Ghost and the Tout’, you can find me in Jim Iyke’s ‘Bad Comments.’ So, I’ve done a lot of acting. I’m gonna start promoting that part of me really soon.
“And ofcourse, I have been doing some skits here and there. But now, I have decided to get serious with the ‘Mazi Kalu’ character. So, it’s a character that is gonna be out there. There will be funny ones but of course, it’s still gonna teach you things.”
Meanwhile in another news…
Nigerian comedian and content creator, Mz Gabbie, also known as Flora, has said people find it hard to believe that female skit-makers make their money through skits.
She explained that she and her female colleagues do extra to get noticed because they are often judged wrongly.
According to Mz Gabbie, whose real name is Omozele Gabriel, people accuse successful women in the industry of either being sponsored by men or using skit-making as a guise to sell their bodies.
Speaking in an interview, she said; “Female skit makers do extra to get noticed and I will speak for them. If one goes outside of her character, people will think one is trying to attract men. Some people believe if a female skit maker is achieving success, then that person is sleeping with one man or one is using it as a cover up for one’s hook-up plan. It is difficult for women in skit making because we have to always prove ourselves that we are equally funny and that we can equally create content.”
Mz Gabbie added; “This is exhausting sometimes. If you ask someone to name skit makers in Nigeria, the person might have named five male skit makers before they call a female skit maker. We are doing a lot and we are breaking boundaries. I feel like we should be recognised too, just the way our male counterparts are being recognised.”
On the successes recorded, she said that her highlight of 2022 was when she performed at ZicSaloma’s show in London.
The comedian said; “My highpoint of 2022 was when I performed in London at the Zicsaloma’s show. It was beautiful. Also, it was so good to know that I have fans in London. It was a refreshing moment for me and a reminder that I can break more barriers and go many places with my talent and career.”
