When Skales arrived onstage for his first solo performance Friday night, after being introduced by his labelmate and boss, Banky W, most fans weren’t sure what to expect. At the end of the performance however, there was no doubt that a star had been born.
When music lovers think EME, they immediately think of Wizkid, due to his resounding commercial success and international appeal. Or they think Banky W, due to his iconic status and for founding the EME venture.
Also when they mention rappers in Nigeria, Skales may not necessarily get a mention amongst the top five. Perhaps everyone needs to re-edit their list and include his name on top of the top five.
The rapper/singer, whose talent is reminiscent of Young Money artist Drake, hit the stage at Oceanview so hard on Friday that you could feel the energy in your bones. His delivery was confident, authoritative and gave the audience the sort of nostalgia one feels when watching their favorite international hip hop acts on stage. Skales is quick to point out he is not thinking local in his world view.
He rapped, “Am heading for a Grammy/One man army/The hit must be felt from Abuja to Miami/Am heading for a Grammy/Hate if you want/I will be the first Nigerian to pull that stunt”. The way he raps the lines, you wonder if the music industry judges in America aren’t already considering him for the award.
Skales performance proves EME is not short on talent, and artist grooming. Skales delivered one of the best performances at the Baddest concert.
When Don Jazzy introduced him to perform what the Mavin boss termed, “one of my best songs of 2012”, the crowd went in a frenzy as they knew he was referring to Mukulu.
Skales did not dull the audience and had all the women swooning for more. Skales may just be what the Nigeria rap scene needs to understudy and listen to.