By Ayo Onikoyi

In the realm of music, where creativity knows no bounds and passion reigns supreme, there exists a visionary who has dedicated his life to nurturing the talents of aspiring artistes.

Kingsley K. Okoronkwo, a native of Bende LGA, Abia State, is the mastermind behind RuggedCash Records, a revolutionary record label that has taken the music industry by storm.

Founded in 2024, RuggedCash Records was born out of Kingsley’s burning desire to provide opportunities for young artists to showcase their talents and reach their full potential.

One of the label’s most exciting discoveries is the talented SaintLucas, whose unique voice and writing skills have captivated audiences worldwide.

In this interview, Kingsley revealed how it all started and all you need to know about RuggedCash Records.

Can you share the story behind the founding of RuggedCash record label?

Well, Rugged Cash originally started as a nickname for me. It was given to me by my friends in secondary school. I loved everything about music and was also an artiste as at then. Growing up we had ideas but no one to help push those ideas. One day I had a random thought to establish something different in order to give room for opportunities which happens to be a record label and here we are.

What inspired you to start a record label, and what are your long-term goals for the company?

I’ll say the love for music inspired me and the urge to provide opportunities to artistes who weren’t able to push themselves independently thereby creating a home that gives them room where they would be able to express themselves and grow exceedingly well In the industry.

How has RuggedCash evolved over the years, and what significant milestones have you achieved?

Rugged Cash was unveiled in the year 2024, we started officially by signing SaintLucas into the family and we’ve been doing exceedingly well so far.

What drew you to SaintLucas, and what do you think sets him apart from other artists?

I met SaintLucas on Tiktok, I saw his drive passion and consistency. He took his craft seriously and was very unique in his own way, I saw the impact his music would make globally and what he needed was someone to push him further and make him reach his full potential as an artiste. A lot of artistes are talented but no support or push from anyone and most of them would likely give up on the way, but I didn’t want that for him so I texted and here we are creating timeless music together.

What sets SaintLucas apart from other artistes is his voice and writing skills. He’s really talented.

Can you walk us through the process of signing SaintLucas to RuggedCash?

Everything started on Tiktok when I came across his videos on my FYP, I loved his sound and quickly gave him a follow. We talked and since then we’ve been busy working and doing amazing stuff.

What are your expectations for SaintLucas’s career, and how do you plan to support his growth as an artist?

I’ve got great things for him and we’ve started that already.

We’re building him in a way that every single song he drops would speak of great quality and I also want to see him win a Grammy some day. I’m willing to push SaintLucas to any length he’d like to explore in his career-that’s creating a lot of opportunities that would affect his music and career positively.

What kind of artistes and genres is RuggedCash focused on, and why?

Artistes that are not just talented but persistent with their craft and are willing to grow. We love all types of genres because music is a language that connects the world and there shouldn’t be any barrier around it, but for now Afrobeats, RnB, Pop and Hip-hop.

How do you approach artist development, and what resources do you provide to your signed artists?

We help our artistes refine their sound, build a strong brand, and grow their fanbase while ensuring long-term success.

What sets RuggedCash apart from other record labels in the industry?

Our goals and strategy sets us apart. RuggedCash isn’t just a label but a Family because everyone is treated with love while still maintaining a healthy work environment.

How do you stay ahead of the curve in terms of industry trends and changes?

Staying ahead in the music industry requires a combination of research, networking, and adaptability. Everyone has their unique strategy and how they penetrate the market to yield good results. We’d stay updated on industry trends, social media trends, learn from industry professionals and also adapt to new marketing strategies.

What are your thoughts on the current state of the music industry, and where do you see it headed?

The music industry is in a fascinating place right now and there’s literally a lot going on as well. Independent artists have more power than ever with tiktok as a powerful promotional too. A lot of artistes are becoming very visible and AI, streaming economics, and social media trends are reshaping the game. The future belongs to artistes who can adapt quickly, build direct fan relationships, and leverage new tech to their advantage.

How do you think RuggedCash can contribute to the growth and development of the music industry?

As a record label there are significant contributions we make in the industry. By setting out good examples on how an Artiste is meant to be treated and also our artistry management skills. There are a lot of drama on social media between artiste’s and labels, as a label we’ve evolved in such a way that there would be zero drama between the company and the artiste because we’ve built a work friendly environment where the artiste isn’t only working but is also a part of a family and a family protects.

What’s next for RuggedCash, and are there any exciting projects or releases on the horizon?

We’ve been working and there are a lot of exciting stuffs on the block. We’ve delivered Shalewa by SaintLucas on the 21st of March. We are excited already because it’s a banger and the world is already vibing to it. Meanwhile, there is more to come.

How do you plan to expand RuggedCash’s reach and influence in the music industry?

By building a strong brand identity, consistent branding, powerful artist promotion, and smart networking.

Are there any collaborations or partnerships that you’re particularly excited about?

Collaboration’s are on check and yes we are working with a lot of exciting stuff coming in the future.

What drives your passion for music and the music industry?

My passion for music and the industry comes from its power to connect people, tell stories, and shape culture. Music is more than just sound, it’s an emotional experience, a business, and a movement that influences society in profound ways.

How do you balance your creative vision with the business side of running a record label?

Balancing creative vision with the business side of running a record label is one of the biggest challenges in the industry. You want to push artistic boundaries while ensuring financial growth and sustainability. Well I’ll say let creativity drive the label’s brand while making business decisions that support growth. When artists feel creatively free and business operations are strong, the label can build long term success.

What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs and music industry professionals?

For aspiring entrepreneurs and music industry professionals, success comes from staying adaptable, building strong relationships, and understanding both the creative and business sides of the industry.