Biography

Raoul John Njeng-Njeng (born 1 April 1991), professionally addressed as Skales, is a gifted Nigerian rapper, singer, and songwriter.

In 2000, he commenced writing rap songs in Kaduna, Nigeria. Between 2007 and 2008, he traveled to Jos to perform with Jesse Jagz and Jeremiah Gyang.

In 2008, he joined the Zain Tru Search competition and won the competition’s North Central region. His debut single “Must Shine” received numerous reels on the Rhythm FM stations in Lagos, Jos, and Abuja. He later resettled to Lagos and inscribed a record deal with Empire Mates Entertainment (E.M.E) in 2009.

Skales has collaborated with numerous artists, including Akon, eLDee, Tekno, Harmonize, Jeremiah Gyang, Banky W, and Knighthouse. His well-known songs incorporate “Shake Body“, “Mukulu“, “Keresimesi“, “Komole“, “My Baby“, “Take Care of Me,” and “Denge Pose“.

After leaving E.M.E in May 2014, he set up the independent OHK Music record label. His debut studio album Man of the Year was released in 2015.

Skales
Skales: History, Bio, Photo
Wiki Facts & About Data
Full Name:	Raoul John Njeng-Njeng
Stage Name:	Skales
Born:	1 April 1991 (age 32 years old)
Place of Birth:	Jos, Kaduna, Nigeria
State Of Origin:	Edo State
Nationality:	Nigerian
Height:	1.72 m
Parents:	N/A
Siblings:	N/A
Wife • Spouse:	Hassanity Precious
Girlfriend • Partner:	Neza
Children:	N/A
Occupation:	Rapper • Singer
Net Worth:	US$2.6 million

Early Life & Education

Skales, who is of Edo State origin, was single-handedly raised by his mother, who was an unskilled worker. He was born on the 1st of April in 1991 in Jos, Kaduna State, Nigeria.

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While growing up, the rapper’s mother had a cassette store, which eventually became the first place Skales developed a strong interest in music.

Skales had his tertiary education at the University of Jos and the Lead City University in Ibadan. According to records, he withdrew from the University of Jos in his junior year and later graduated from Lead City University with a degree in Office Management and Technology.

Career

Skales became interested in music while regularly attending his mother’s cassette store. He met producers Jeremiah Gyang and Jesse Jagz while attending the University of Jos (UNIJOS). He took part in the Zain Tru Search Competition at Unijos and won the competition’s North Central region.

Skales left UNIJOS his junior year and attended Lead City University, where he graduated with a degree in office management and technology. His debut single “Must Shine” was released to critical acclaim.

In an interview with This Day newspaper in 2013, 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 helped shape the song’s scope, which is an ode to self-empowerment.

Skales signed a record deal with E.M.E after meeting Banky W in 2009. He released the singles “Mukulu” and “Keresimesi” simultaneously. Both songs were produced by Sarz and released under the outfit. The music video for the latter track was directed by Clarence Peters and uploaded to YouTube on 28 November 2011.

Skales was one of the main acts on E.M.E.’s debut album, Empire Mates State of Mind (2012). He collaborated with Banky W, Wizkid, Shaydee, Niyola, and DJ Xclusive on five of the album’s seven singles. He also toured with some of the acts mentioned above on the EME US Tour, which kicked off on 4 July and ended on 2 September 2012.

E.M.E acts performed in several cities, including Houston, Dallas, Toronto, Vancouver, New York City, Providence, Calgary, Atlanta, Washington DC, and Chicago. Skales supported Wizkid on his tour of London in 2012. On 17 October 2013, he performed at the 2013 edition of Felabration, a yearly concert dedicated to Fela Kuti.

In February 2014, Vanguard newspaper reported that Skales left E.M.E following the expiration of his four-year recording contract. E.M.E executives believed they were not getting remunerated for investing in him and refused to renew his contract.

In May 2014, Skales established his own record label, OHK Music. The label is home to producer Drey Beatz and has affiliations with other music personnel within Nigeria. On 6 May 2014, he released the Jay Pizzle-produced track “Shake Body” as the lead single from his debut studio album Man of the Year. The accompanying music video for the song was uploaded to YouTube on 22 July 2014.

Skales promoted the song by announcing the Shake Body video competition. It was reported that Skales signed a record deal with Timaya’s Dem Mama Records following his departure from E.M.E. In February 2014, Skales debunked the reports and said he didn’t sign with Dem Mama Records.

Personal Life

In December 2011, Skales was involved in a car accident along the Lekki-Epe Expressway. The car he was in ran into a ditch and somersaulted. The accident left one dead and three injured.

He was among several other celebrities like Davido and Super Eagles Player John Ogu to criticize Desmond Elliot for pushing social media regulation back in October 2020.

On March 14th, 2021, Skales announced his engagement to his girlfriend on Instagram. He tied the knot with his long time girlfriend, Hassanity Precious. He once dated Neza.

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Awards

In 2013, the rapper won the Best Upcoming artiste (Male category) at the Nigerian Teens Choice awards.

The Kaduna-born star’s 2009 song Heading for a Grammy was borne out of his experience and was actually inspired by American rapper Kanye West’s song Jesus Walks, which was released in 2004.

Discography

• Man of the Year (2015)
• The Never Say Never Guy (2017)
• Mr. Love (2018)
• Empire Mates State of Mind (2012)
• “Must Shine”
• “Bo Se Se Mi”
• “Goosebumps”
• Ori Mi” (featuring Wizkid)
• “Be Mine”
• “Thank God It’s Christmas”
• Must Shine”
• “Shake Body”
• Je Kan Mo”
• “Always” (featuring Davido)
• I Am For Real
• Jogodo” (featuring Oritse Femi)
• Ajaga” (featuring Timaya and Davido)
• Nobody’s Business” (featuring Banky W)
• Agolo”
• “For You”
• O’Crazy”
• “Fire Waist” (featuring Harmonize)
• Feposi
• Oliver Twist II” (Remix) (featuring Falz and Harmonize)
• This Your Body” (featuring Davido)

Net Worth

Counted among the most influential musicians of his prime and also bagging a multimillion endorsement with MTN and record label, among others, Skales estimated net worth is US$2.6 million.

Social Media

• Instagram: @youngskales