Rapper Skales has shed light on his collaborative history with superstar Wizkid. Speaking on September 28, 2024, Skales disclosed that he penned several hit songs for Wizkid during their time together at Empire Mates Entertainment (EME), including tracks from Wizkid’s debut album ‘Super Star’.
Nigeria’s bustling music capital, Raoul John Njeng-Njeng, known professionally as Skales, sat down with content creator Bae U the Barbie for her show ‘Curiosity Made Me Ask’. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as Skales prepared to unveil secrets from one of Nigerian music’s most transformative periods.
“Back in EME, we were a team so we used to write songs for each other,” Skales revealed, his eyes lighting up with nostalgia. I wrote songs for Wizkid. He also wrote songs for me, too.”
Skales’ revelation offers a rare glimpse into the creative process behind some of Nigeria’s biggest hits of the early 2010s. The rapper specifically mentioned his contribution to ‘Wiz Party’, a bonus track on Wizkid’s groundbreaking debut album ‘Super Star.
However, Skales was quick to emphasize the reciprocal nature of their relationship. He wrote ‘Mukulu’ for me,” Skales added, highlighting the collaborative spirit that defined EME at the time.
Empire Mates Entertainment, founded by R&B star and music executive Banky W, was more than just a record label. It was a crucible of talent that helped shape the sound of modern Nigerian pop music.
Music industry analyst Funmi Adebayo provides context: “EME in the early 2010s was like a hit factory. Having talents like Wizkid and Skales under one roof, collaborating and pushing each other creatively, was a recipe for success.”
While Skales’ interview primarily focused on the positive aspects of collaboration, it also hinted at the complexities of the music business. Both Wizkid and Skales eventually left EME after disagreements with Banky W, marking the end of an era in Nigerian music.
In a previous interview with media personality Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, Banky W had revealed that Wizkid owed EME three albums based on his initial contract. This statement adds another layer to the intricate relationships within the label.
The revelations from Skales offer more than just industry gossip; they provide valuable insights into the collaborative nature of hit-making in Nigerian music.
“What Skales is describing is not uncommon in the music industry,” notes music lawyer Chidi Okonkwo. “Collaborative writing sessions often lead to some of the biggest hits. The challenge comes in properly attributing and compensating all contributors.”
Since his days at EME, Wizkid has gone on to become one of Africa’s biggest music exports. His journey from the young talent Skales describes to a Grammy-winning global superstar is a testament to his growth as an artist.
Music journalist Tunde Ogundipe reflects on this trajectory: “Hearing about Wizkid’s early collaborative process adds depth to our understanding of his artistic development. It’s fascinating to see how those early experiences at EME shaped the artist we know today.”
While much of the focus naturally falls on Wizkid’s meteoric rise, Skales’ own journey is equally noteworthy. From his days as an EME signee to becoming an independent artist with hits like ‘Shake Body’, Skales has carved out his own space in the industry.
“I’ve grown a lot since those EME days,” Skales shared during the interview. But I’ll always be grateful for that time and the lessons I learned about collaboration and creativity.
As the Nigerian music industry continues to evolve and gain global recognition, the lessons from EME’s collaborative approach remain relevant. Skales’ revelations serve as a reminder of the power of teamwork in creating lasting music.
Emerging artist Adekunle Gold, when asked about the impact of Skales’ interview, said: “It’s inspiring to hear about how these legends worked together. It motivates us younger artists to collaborate more and push each other creatively.”
Skales’ candid revelations about his songwriting collaboration with Wizkid offer a fascinating glimpse into a pivotal moment in Nigerian music history. As both artists continue to make waves in the industry, their shared past at EME stands as a testament to the power of collaboration in shaping the sound of a generation.
While the EME era may be over, its impact continues to resonate through the music and careers of artists like Skales and Wizkid. As Nigeria’s music scene continues to flourish, the lessons of teamwork and mutual support from those early days remain as relevant as ever
