In a music industry as competitive as Nigeria’s, it’s tough to maintain relevance for an extended period of time due to the regular influx of talent, styles, and influences from all over. Across a career well into its second decade, Nigerian singer and rapper, Skales, has redefined–and expanded–the scope of what longevity means in an age powered by social media metrics and standards. “I know what I am and that gives me the power to keep doing what I need to be doing for my music to stay,” Skales says over a Zoom call. “I’m here and I’m not going away.”
Skales’ assertion of not going away is very valid in light of the career that the 32-year-old has had. From being part of the groundbreaking Empire Mates Entertainment (E.M.E) crew headed by Banky W, Skales has overcome a number of challenges to craft a career as one of Nigeria’s most recognizable indie acts. From projects like Man of the Year to The Never Say Never Guy and Mr Love, the singer (born Raoul John Njeng-Njeng) has managed to curate the profile of a dogged fighter refusing to throw in the towel on his musical dreams.
His new project, Proof Of Life, is a codification of his journey and a reintroduction to Skales as a singer.
“Proof of Life is a reborn for Skales, man,” he explains. “This is a rediscovery for me because I believe I’m in a position where I—for lack of a better word—can’t be fucked with at the moment. I believe that musically I’m untouchable at the moment, and this happened because of years of experience. You know when they say practice makes perfect? I’ve been practising for years. So, of course, my skills are more sharpened. I feel on top of the world, honestly. So, what Proof of Life actually means for me is, a lot of people just forget that I’ve been in this game for more than a decade, and I’m still here.
So, even while they say, “Oh, his career is dead, blah blah blah,” I’m still here. So, that’s what Proof of Life is for me. I’m here and I’m way better. I’m more advanced. I’m like Skales on steroids.”
Skales is not adverse to admitting that in the earlier parts of his career, he used to be bothered by criticism of his journey and all he was doing. “ I won’t lie that it doesn’t affect me. It does affect me, but I’m just more focused on the music,” he explains.
“I’m passionate about the music, honestly. So, I don’t really let it affect me. I actually understand. Everybody is supposed to have an opinion, regardless. The trolls are supposed to be trolls. Critics are supposed to be critics. Haters are supposed to be haters. That’s how it is. That’s how the game is. I’ve realized that, so I don’t let it affect me. It kind of motivates me.
Sometimes, I listen to what people say and I use it in my lyrics. It’s like an inspiration for me.”
His new project, Proof Of Life, was recorded following the passing of his mum and the birth of his daughter, Skales had to balance two contrasting emotions while making this deeply personal project. “I just did what I do best,” he says about how he approached that period of his life. “I stayed strong. Stayed positive. I kept it going no matter what. I worry, but I don’t let the worrying affect me because while I’m worrying, I still keep the work going because I know that if I worry, who’s going to work for me? Who’s going to feed me? So, I just keep it going. I love music, so making music also makes me happy.”
An interesting motif in Proof Of Life is how Skales mixed his pop sound with a soul-inflected template that he first experimented with on Healing Process. It’s an experiment that he had been inching towards all his career. “The thing is, like I told you, I just rediscovered myself, and when I say, “rediscovered myself,” I’ve never been confident with my sound,” he says. “I used to always want to do stuff and be like, “Let me please everybody,” and that way, my own sound was suffering. I’ve always been a soulful person, even from the beginning. From songs that I’ve written for people till now. It’s just a part of me that I’m now showing to the world. I’m soulful, I’m R&B, I’m Pop, I’m whatever.”
