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Nigerian entertainment icon Ruggedman is set to expand his creative repertoire with the premiere of his new comedy-drama series, Steve Pays The Bills, following the release of his birthday single, Rock Steady, featuring 2Baba.
The series premieres on Ruggedman’s official YouTube channel, Officialruggedman, today, October 10, 2026, with Ruggedman taking on the roles of producer and lead actor.
Ruggedman, who has appeared in films including Jim Iyke’s Bad Comments, Toyin Abraham’s The Ghost and the Tout Too, Red Circle, and the upcoming Five Figurines, plays Steve, a hardworking, relatable man who navigates the everyday chaos of domestic life as the primary breadwinner.
The story centres on Steve’s complicated relationship with his live-in lover, Tolani, played by Motunde Sogunle, known as Mr Macaroni’s skit daughter, and his younger brother, Abobinto, played by Samuel T Philip. Abobinto arrives for a visit but soon becomes an unexpected permanent presence in Steve’s home.
Directed by Director Mankind, Steve Pays The Bills features cameo appearances from several Nigerian actors and comedians, including Charles Inojie, Uzor Arokwe, Francis Odega, MC Lively, Queen Akosa and Wole Ojo.
Speaking on the project, Ruggedman said his interest in sitcoms and production dates back to his childhood.
“I grew up watching family sitcoms, and acting and producing is something I have always wanted to do. I am glad I am getting the opportunity to do both. I am proud of my cast, and I am sure the viewers will be too.”
Motunde Sogunle, who plays Tolani, said taking on the character allowed her to explore a personality different from her own.
“I decided to play Tolani in Steve Pays The Bills because she’s honestly a totally different person from me. I’ve seen these crazy, troublesome girlfriends with quiet, easygoing partners who still love them regardless, and I really wanted to explore that side of myself.
I’m grateful I was able to pull it off, and I’m especially thankful to RuggedMan for thinking of me from the moment he wrote the script. I don’t know what he saw — that’s on him! But he definitely cast the right person.”
The premiere will be followed by an exclusive denim-themed private screening of the first few episodes on 14 October 2026 at Silverbird Cinema, Victoria Island, Lagos. The event is expected to bring together industry leaders and Ruggedman’s celebrity friends, with an after-party scheduled at The RPM Lounge, Victoria Island.
