Nigeria: Skales Gunning for a Grammy

Skales.

interview

By Abisola AlawodeCall him Nigeria's Drake and you'll not be far from the mark. Call him Nigeria's Kanye West and you'll definitely raise a few heads. For someone who's been around for some time, Raoul John Njeng Njeng aka Skales is definitely headed for a Grammy. He could just be The One.
Anyone who is familiar with the Nigerian music scene knows that you have been around for some time and you can no longer be regarded as an 'upcoming artist'. Tell us, what have you been up to?
Well, I was working on my album, studio sessions here and there, before I went to America for some performances. I put out a single titled Give it to me, a song with this Highlife feel. It was produced by Kenny Wonder and, to be honest, it is doing quite well.
You are also regarded as 'Naija's Drake'. Does this sum up your musical style as an artiste?
I wouldn't say that sums me up. I like to think of myself as versatile. No disrespect, but Drake can't do Highlife and there are things which he (Drake) can do that I definitely cannot do. Drake is a multiple-award winner too. On the whole, it's nice to be thought of in the same category with him.
At what point in your life did you decide that it would be music or nothing else?
I grew up in a home where music was the in-thing. My mother had all these records back then and that inspired me. I know it's now cliché, but I sang in the choir. I have always loved music and I knew it was what I was always going to do.
Could you please share with us some of the challenges you have had to overcome to be where you are today?
Everyone goes through challenges in life. At the beginning of my career, I had to take a bus from Kaduna to Lagos, just because I wanted to do music. I have lived from hand to mouth
.
Now that you have been signed to Baseline Music, what happens to your record label 'OHK Entertainment'?
That is the fantastic thing about my deal with Baseline Music. OHK Entertainment is my thing; I started it after I left the label I was previously signed to (EME), but right now, I am signed to Baseline as a recording artiste. OHK still runs itself and things will still go on without me overseeing.
Your single Shake Body is currently making waves around Nigeria. How do you feel about this?
I feel great. When you make a great track, you know instantaneously. After it was written, my management team and my PR team listened and we were all excited about getting the song out. So far, the song has been amazing. The love I get from fans has been enormous. That song changed my whole career trajectory. Now people are sitting back and wondering, "wow, did this guy have it in him all the while?"
All my fans have to do is wait for the album to be released and they will be blown sky-high. My album will leave many in shock.
I also noticed that you spoke a language that definitely wasn't English. What language was that?
LOL! That was French. I have Cameroonian roots too, you know. I happen to speak French, though not as fluent as English, Yoruba or Hausa.
Do you agree that the Nigerian music industry has come of age? Do you think we have arrived, based on the recognition which the industry as a whole is currently receiving?
We're at the forefront of Africa, at present. Globally, we're getting recognised too. More could still be done, but sometimes it is good to give ourselves credit too. When you watch music videos of even three (3) years back, you would notice how much the advancement is. The Nigerian music industry is a work in progress.
What are the tools one must possess if he/she wants to make it in the Nigerian music industry?
Well, talent alone will not cut it; having a good team behind you is also a key factor. Having people who you're sure always have your back is what you need to succeed in the industry. Other things like knowing the type of genre to focus on and producers to use also matter.
What should we expect from Skales in the future?
As of now, I'm focusing all my energy on my album. Like I said before, it's my debut album, so I really have to work hard to make sure I leave a lasting impression on fans and, also, try to convert others.
Musical collaborations are a major part of any artiste's career and you have definitely been featured in quite a few songs. Are there any Nigerian artiste's you'd like to collaborate with?
For now, I'm working on my album and I just left the studio with Olamide. I have collaborations with M.I. and Casper the South African Hip hop artiste. There are others whose names you'll only get to see after the album has been released.
Who are your musical influences both internationally and locally?
Kanye West and Chris Brown have all influenced me at a point. Right now, though, the brand Skales motivates me no end.
How do you spend your free time and what are those simple pleasures you enjoy?
I play video games with my friends and basketball (occasionally), but I don't usually get that much free time nowadays.
What is your ultimate goal as an artiste?
I want to be known globally. When I started out with Heading for a Grammy, it was not because I wanted to win it the next year, but because that is my dream.
Shades or no shades?
Shades, definitely.
Who is that person or persons you would do almost anything for?
My mother. Everything I have, I owe to her.
What 3 songs are presently on constant rotation in your car?
Shake Body, Give It to Me , Dogado.
Which do you prefer; stage performance or studio recording?
I would say stage performance, as I get a chance to interact directly with my true fans.
What is your favourite food?
I don't have a favourite meal, I eat everything. However, I don't like meat or fish.Nah.
Who is Skales?
Skales is your normal, everyday guy. I'm cool with everyone.