Throwback

Ruggedman ft. 9ice – Ruggedy Baba Opomulero [throwback]

Ruggedy Baba

Released in 2007 as the landmark lead single from his sophomore album Ruggedy Baba, “Ruggedy Baba” (popularly known with its iconic hook slogan “Opomulero“) by rap pioneer Ruggedman featuring 9ice stands as a pivotal milestone in Nigerian music history. The track expertly bridges the gap between classic Hip-Hop and traditional Yoruba Highlife/Folk, produced with a distinct local bounce by ID Cabasa. Ruggedman delivers confident, sharply penned verses defending his legacy and rap style, while a young 9ice delivers an unforgettable, folklore-rich chorus in Yoruba that added immediate cultural depth and massive commercial appeal to the song.

Lyrically, “Ruggedy Baba” is an assertion of authority, resilience, and authenticity within the music industry—a theme captured by the title Opomulero, which translates to “Pillar of Support.” By fusing hard-hitting rap flows with traditional indigenous melodies, the track helped pioneer the vernacular street-hop sound that defined Nigerian pop culture throughout the late 2000s. It remains a legendary throwback anthem, celebrated for its raw energy, historic influence, and timeless cross-generational appeal.