Popular Nigerian singer Raoul John Njeng-Njeng, widely known as Skales, has revealed that he contributed significantly to the success of his former labelmate, Wizkid, by writing many hit songs for him during their time together at Empire Mates Entertainment (EME).
Skales made this disclosure while appearing on the show ‘Curiosity Made Me Ask,’ hosted by content creator Bae U Barbie.
In the interview, Skales claimed that he co-wrote several tracks on Wizkid’s debut album Super Star, including the bonus track ‘Wiz Party.’ According to him, the two worked closely together, helping each other with songwriting during their time at the label. He admitted that while he had written songs for Wizkid, Wizkid had also returned the favor by writing tracks for him, including his popular hit ‘Mukulu.’
Skales explained, “Back in EME, we were a team, so we used to write songs for each other. I wrote songs for Wizkid. He also wrote songs for me, too. He wrote ‘Mukulu’ for me, and I wrote his song ‘Wiz Party.’ As I said, EME was a collective, so we did teamwork.”
This teamwork, according to Skales, was a key factor in their musical growth and success during the early 2010s. Both he and Wizkid were among the first artists signed to EME, the record label founded by R&B star and music executive Banky W. The label played a pivotal role in launching their careers and bringing them into the limelight.
Wizkid’s debut album Super Star, which was released under EME, marked the beginning of his rise to global stardom, featuring hit tracks like ‘Holla at Your Boy,’ ‘Don’t Dull,’ and ‘Tease Me.’ Skales, on the other hand, gained popularity with songs like ‘Shake Body’ and ‘Mukulu,’ which were well-received by fans across Nigeria and beyond.
Despite their successful stint under EME, both Skales and Wizkid eventually left the label, following a series of disagreements with Banky W. The specifics of the disagreements remain unclear, but it is widely known that both artists parted ways with the label to pursue their independent careers.
In a previous interview with Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, Banky W had opened up about the challenges he faced with Wizkid during their time together at EME. He revealed that Wizkid was supposed to deliver three more albums under his contract with the label but left before fulfilling the agreement. However, Banky W expressed no hard feelings toward the superstar, acknowledging that their time together had been mutually beneficial and had helped propel Wizkid to where he is today.
The revelation by Skales about writing hit songs for Wizkid adds another layer to the story of their journey together at EME. It highlights the collaborative nature of their early music careers, where both artists contributed to each other’s success. This period of collaboration was a significant chapter in Nigerian music history, as it helped shape the careers of two of the country’s most prominent artists.
Since leaving EME, both Skales and Wizkid have gone on to enjoy successful solo careers. Wizkid, in particular, has achieved international recognition, becoming one of the biggest Afrobeats artists globally. He has collaborated with international stars such as Drake, Beyoncé, and Justin Bieber, and his music has reached audiences worldwide.
Skales, though not as globally recognized as Wizkid, has maintained a strong presence in the Nigerian music scene. He has continued to release music and perform at various events, building a loyal fan base over the years.
His admission of contributing to Wizkid’s early success only strengthens his legacy as one of the key figures in the rise of Afrobeats.
The music industry is often filled with stories of behind-the-scenes collaborations that fans rarely get to hear about. Skales’ revelation sheds light on the importance of teamwork and collaboration in creating music, especially in the early stages of an artist’s career.
It also underscores the fact that many hit songs are the product of multiple creative minds working together, rather than just one individual.
While Wizkid has not publicly responded to Skales’ claims, the revelation is unlikely to stir any major controversy. Both artists have moved on from their EME days and have built thriving careers on their own.
However, Skales’ comments serve as a reminder of the close bond they once shared and the collective effort that went into making some of the biggest songs in Nigerian music history.
As the Afrobeats genre continues to grow and gain international recognition, stories like this provide valuable insights into the early struggles and collaborations that helped shape the movement.
For fans of both Skales and Wizkid, it offers a glimpse into their journey and the role they played in each other’s success during their formative years in the music industry.
