Skales facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Skales
Skales performing "Shaku Shaku" at the 24th edition of the Koroga Festival in December 2018
Background information
Birth name	Raoul John Njeng-Njeng
Born	(1991-04-01) 1 April 1991 (age 34) Kaduna State, Nigeria
Genres	Hip hop R&B
Occupation(s)	Rapper singer songwriter
Instruments	Vocals
Years active	2000–present
Labels	Baseline OHK Music
Associated acts	Banky W. Wizkid Shaydee Niyola Ice Prince Davido Jesse Jagz DJ Xclusive Harmonize

Raoul John Njeng-Njeng (born April 1, 1991), known as Skales, is a Nigerian rapper, singer, and songwriter. His stage name, Skales, means "Seek Knowledge Acquire Large Entrepreneurial Skills."

He moved to Lagos and signed a record deal with Empire Mates Entertainment (E.M.E) in 2009. Skales started writing rap songs in Kaduna in 2000. Between 2007 and 2008, he worked with producers Jesse Jagz and Jeremiah Gyang in Jos.

In 2008, he won the North Central region of the Zain Tru Search competition. His first song, "Must Shine," was played a lot on radio stations. Skales has worked with many artists like Akon, Tekno, and Davido. Some of his popular songs are "Shake Body" and "Mukulu." After leaving E.M.E in 2014, he started his own music label called OHK Music. His first album, Man of the Year, came out in 2015.

Skales' Early Life and Music Journey

Raoul John Njeng-Njeng was born and grew up in Kaduna State, Nigeria. His family is from Edo State. He was raised by his mother, who worked hard to support them. Skales became interested in music because his mother owned a cassette store.

He met producers Jeremiah Gyang and Jesse Jagz while studying at the University of Jos (Unijos). During his time at Unijos, he entered the Zain Tru Search Competition and won in his region. Skales later went to Lead City University and earned a degree in office management.

His first song, "Must Shine," was very popular. In an interview, Skales said his music is inspired by the world around him. His 2009 song "Heading for a Grammy" was inspired by Kanye West's "Jesus Walks." The song is about believing in yourself and your power.

Joining Empire Mates Entertainment (2009–2014)

Skales signed a music deal with E.M.E after meeting Banky W. in 2009. He released two songs, "Mukulu" and "Keresimesi," at the same time. Both songs were produced by Sarz. The music video for "Keresimesi" was directed by Clarence Peters.

Skales was a main artist on E.M.E's first album, Empire Mates State of Mind (2012). He worked with Banky W., Wizkid, and other artists on many songs from the album. He also went on tour with them in the United States in 2012. They performed in many cities like Houston, New York City, and Chicago. Skales also supported Wizkid on his London tour in 2012.

In 2013, he performed at Felabration, a yearly concert honoring Fela Kuti. Skales left E.M.E in February 2014 after his four-year contract ended.

Starting OHK Music

In May 2014, Skales started his own music label called OHK Music. This label works with other music professionals in Nigeria. On May 6, 2014, Skales released "Shake Body." This song was the first single from his album Man of the Year. The music video for "Shake Body" was released in July 2014. Skales even held a competition to promote the song's video.

Skales' Personal Life

In December 2011, Skales was in a car accident. He was among several celebrities who spoke out against social media regulation in October 2020. This included Davido and Super Eagles player John Ogu.

On March 14, 2021, Skales shared on Instagram that he was engaged to his girlfriend.

Skales' Music Albums

Studio Albums

• Man of the Year (2015)
• The Never Say Never Guy (2017)
• Mr Love (2018)
• Sweet Distractions (2022)

EPs (Extended Plays)

• Healing Process (2020)
• Proof of Life (2023)

Compilation Albums

• Empire Mates State of Mind (2012)

Collaborative Albums

• Volumes (with Jay Pizzle) (2024)

Selected Songs by Skales

See also

• List of Nigerian musicians