Rich M: From Benin City to the World – The Journey of an Afrocentric Star in the Making

Manfred Aifuwa Omogiate, popularly known as Rich M, is a rising star in the Afrocentric music scene. Hailing from Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, Rich M’s music journey is deeply influenced by his roots and life experiences. His story is one of passion, perseverance, and a desire to inspire others through his art.

Born and raised in a city where many people come from humble backgrounds, Rich M grew up with a strong motivation to achieve greatness. “I’m from a city where it’s not a lot of rich people,” he says. “A lot of us were either from poor homes or average homes, and that just motivated me to become something great in life.”

Music has always been a dream for Rich M. From a young age, he found joy in creating sounds that connected with people emotionally. However, life’s challenges momentarily slowed down his passion. It wasn’t until December 13th, 2024, that he officially launched his music career by releasing his debut single. That song was more than just a musical creation; it marked a personal comeback for the artist.

“The process of creating my first single felt like bringing myself back to my music,” he recalls. “At that point, it felt like my energy toward music was reducing, so I had to create something that would revive my passion.” That spark reignited his dedication to music and set him on a path to pursue his dreams relentlessly.

Rich M’s sound is distinctly Afrocentric, a reflection of his Edo heritage. His music blends traditional African rhythms with modern elements, creating a unique and soulful sound that resonates with listeners. He credits his upbringing in Benin City for shaping his artistic vision. “I experienced a lot growing up, and that really shaped my mindset,” he shares. “I wanted to be the street motivation — to let people know that nothing is impossible.”

Beyond entertainment, Rich M wants his music to serve a purpose. His songs aim to uplift listeners and spread messages of positivity and resilience. “I want my music to make people feel a certain way to share positivity and motivation,” he explains. His ability to connect emotionally with his audience has become one of his defining traits as an artist.

While Rich M is passionate about his craft, his journey hasn’t been without challenges. One of the biggest hurdles he faced was figuring out what type of song to release as his debut single. “The only challenge I had was deciding on the kind of song to drop first and how to balance my sound,” he says. Once he overcame that challenge, he fully embraced his artistic identity and began exploring different musical styles.

Rich M’s songwriting process is deeply personal. He draws inspiration from his emotions and life experiences, allowing him to create authentic and relatable music. “Whenever I’m writing, it depends on how I’m feeling,” he explains. “I write what I feel and what life has taught me so far.”

His calm and unique spirit is a core part of his branding. It reflects not only in his music but also in his personality. However, Rich M remains open to experimenting with new styles and evolving as an artist. “I’ll say my calm and unique spirit is my private personality,” he says. “I’m still trying different patterns in my music.”

Rich M is currently working on his next single, set to be released soon. While he keeps the details under wraps, he promises that it will be a unique Afrobeat track. “I can’t give too much away, but I can say it’s going to be something special,” he teases.

Looking ahead, Rich M has big dreams for his music career. He envisions himself performing on global stages like the O2 Arena and collaborating with top artists and producers. “In the next five years, I see myself as an A-list artist, shutting down big shows and winning multiple awards,” he shares. He dreams of working with artists like Rick Ross, Meek Mill, Burna Boy, and producers such as Metro Boomin, P Prime, and Shizzi.

Rich M’s journey is just beginning, but his passion and determination are undeniable. With his Afrocentric sound and his drive to inspire others, he is poised to make a significant impact on the global music scene. For Rich M, this is more than just a career, it’s a calling to motivate and uplift through music.