Skales | |
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Birth name | Raoul John Njeng-Njeng |
Born |
Kaduna State, Nigeria |
1 April 1991
Genres | |
Occupation(s) | Rapper, singer-songwriter |
Years active | 2000–present |
Labels |
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Associated acts | Banky W., Wizkid, Shaydee, Niyola, Ice Prince, Jesse Jagz, Patoranking, DJ Xclusive |
Website | skalesmusic |
Raoul John Njeng-Njeng (born 1 April 1991), who performs under the mononym Skales, is a Nigerian rapper, singer-songwriter and performer. In 2000, he started writing rap songs in Kaduna. Between 2007 and 2008, he travelled to Jos to work with Jesse Jagz and Jeremiah Gyang. In 2008, he entered the Zain Tru Search competition and won the competition's North Central region. His debut single, "Must Shine", received numerous spin on the Rhythm FM stations in Lagos, Jos and Abuja. He later relocated to Lagos and signed a record deal with Empire Mates Entertainment in 2009.
Skales has recorded over 200 songs and collaborated with numerous artists, including eLDee, Jeremiah Gyang, Banky W. and Knighthouse. His well-known songs include "Shake Body", "Mukulu", "Keresimesi", "Komole", "My Baby", "Take Care of Me" and "Denge Pose". Skales established his record label, OHK Music, after departing from Empire Mates Entertainment in May 2014. Skales' debut album, Man of the Year, was released in 2015.
Skales was born and raised in Kaduna. He is the only child of his family. His stage name is an acronym for "Seek Knowledge Acquire Large Entrepreneurial Skills". He grew up in a Church setting, and became interested in music while at his mother's cassette store. He grew up with his mother, a single parent, who did menial jobs to nurture him. Skales met producers Jeremiah Gyang and Jesse Jagz while attending the University of Jos. Skales left the University of Jos his junior year and attended Lead City University, where he graduated with a degree in Office Management and Technology. While at the University of Jos, he partook in the Zain Tru Search Competition and won the competition's North Central region. His debut single, "Must Shine", was released to critical acclaim. In a 2013 interview with This Day newspaper, Skales described himself as an entertainer whose music is influenced by his surroundings. His 2009 release, "Heading for a Grammy", was inspired by Kanye West's "Jesus Walks". The experiences he was going through at the time helped shape the scope of the song, which is an ode to self empowerment.