Veteran Nigerian rapper Ruggedman has shared the reason behind “Ruggedman Acoustic Session Vol. 1,” an acoustic reinterpretation of his classic tracks. The new project, now available on all major music platforms, spices up his biggest hits by breaking them down to their purest form – voice, lyrics, and guitar.
Speaking during an interview with Pot-pourri, Ruggedman revealed that the inspiration behind the project was born out of a desire to revisit his legacy through a more intimate and live experience.
According to him, the stripped-down production allows listeners to concentrate more on his words and delivery, and the emotion in his music will be felt better with the acoustic sound.
He stated that the acoustic version of his hit tracks takes away the distraction that comes with any beat or sample.
“The inspiration to recreate acoustic versions of my tracks was born out of the want to release a ‘Best of Ruggedman Live Sessions.’ Before I could get around to that, the Best of Ruggedman Acoustic Session Vol. 1 came to me, and I approached the great guitarist Fiokee, who loved the idea.
All the tracks were recorded live and in one take. No Nigerian rapper has ever done this — it’s another first of its kind from Ruggedman.
With the acoustic version, you’re not distracted by any beat or sample. It’s just your raw voice, lyrics, and the guitar. People get to hear everything you’re saying. Being that these songs are from my old albums, the messages are the same, except now they’re clearer and being heard by a new audience,” he said.
Reflecting on his growth after more than 20 years in the music industry, the lyricist noted that the project reemphasizes his creative endurance.
Ruggedman concluded by saying that his latest project will engage fans on a deeper level while addressing key societal challenges.
“It shows my versatility, creativity, originality, and longevity. I can perform with a live band or a DJ. I’ve always said, ‘I blend with the trend, stay forever like culture,’ and this project proves that. I give all glory to God.
I’ve started a Ruggedy Baba Culture Challenge on TikTok, where people who post one-minute videos portraying Nigerian culture using the Ruggedy Baba Acoustic track stand a chance to win ₦250,000.
I also included a track titled Change featuring Specikinging, which speaks on issues plaguing Nigerian citizens,” he added.
