If you’re like me, then you’ve probably fallen in love with the fire track Fire Waist by Nigerian star Skales. The track featuring Tanzanian Harmonize, has been a club banger for months now so you can imagine the excitement I had with him for this interview!
Skales, real name Raoul John Njeng-Njeng was in born 1 April 1991 is a Nigerian rapper, singer and songwriter. Born and raised in Kaduna state in nothern Nigeria he studied at the University of Jos until his junior year whereafter he left the University of and attended Lead City University, where he graduated with a degree in Office Management and Technology.
He is signed to Baseline music and has three albums to his name; namely
- Man of the Year (2015)
- The Never Say Never Guy (2017)
- MR.LOVE (2018)
He recently released his third studio album, Mr Love, in July this year and he’s been flying sky high ever since. The 16 tracker Mr Love album covers pop, rap and soul music, and features Ghana’s Sarkodie, Rwanda’s Neza, Tanzania’s Vanessa Mdee and South Africa’s Cassper Nyovest
We had a conversation with the rising artist on his journey and his exciting debut at Coke Studio Africa:
How does it feel to finally get the attention of Coke Studio?
It’s honestly a dream come true! Coke Studio is a studio I’ve been following for so long and every time I always envisioned myself performing on that stage. I can’t wait to work with all the amazing producers and artists and also proudly represent my country. This is a very big deal for me and it’s just but another dream I’ve achieved on my to-do list
Which International & Kenyan artists do feel like you would wanna work with?
I’m working with a couple of international artists but I want it to be a surprise when we release our work so I won’t say who they are for now; I’ve also been in the studio with Major Lazer who recently dropped a documentary that I was a major part of.
In Kenya, my number one artist that I’d like to work with is definitely Sauti Sol.
You have also ventured in production, How has that been for you?
I have been working with a bunch of people from kenya and most of the producers I work with are from Kenya. I’ve had projects where they’ve added a lot of magic and it’s been really amazing for me.
From this season, I’m sure you have gotten a bunch of new networks, What are you looking to bring of from coke studio?
I feel like Coke studio has already done its job by creating that exposure for us to be able to collaborate with other African artists. I am just excited to know that I have a chance to know and work with very great artists and talented artists. From that, we will see what will happen.
Which was your breakthrough song? My break through song from my career was ‘Must Shine’.
While at the University of Jos, I partook in the Zain Tru Search Competition and won the competition’s North Central region. His debut single, “Must Shine”, is what catapulted my music career.
How did it feel to co-headline a major reggae beach festival with Kymani Marley?
It felt really good performing infront of a thousand people coming from different countries. I had goosebumps. Sharing the stage with Marley was an honour to all the hard work i’ve put in. The crowd was really amazing.
Your new song ‘Currency’ feat Davido is gaining a lot of airplay and attention. Tell us how that is going for you?
The song is a week old of my album ‘Mr LOVE’. The reception has been really great and its receiving positive feedback from critics. Working with Davido who is a big deal in Africa was a major highlight from the collaboration.
Who are your biggest music influences?
Fela Kuti is number one because to me he is the greatest of all time. You can’t do Afrobeat and fail to recognise the great contribution by this great musician
