Raoul John Njeng-Njeng, better known by his stage name Skales (an acronym for Seek Knowledge, Acquire Large Entrepreneurial Skills), is a Nigerian rapper, singer, and songwriter. He began penning rap songs in Kaduna, Nigeria, around the year 2000. He participated in the Zain Tru Search competition in 2008 and took first place in the North Central division. In 2009, he agreed to a record deal with Banky W’s Empire Mates Entertainment (E.M.E.), then left to start his own label, “OHK Music record label.”
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Skales Biography
Full Name | Raoul John Njeng-Njeng |
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Stage Name | Skales |
Date of Birth | 1 April 1991 |
Place of Birth | Kaduna State, Nigeria |
State of Origin | Edo State, Nigeria |
Occupation | Rapper, Singer, Songwriter |
Record Label | OHK Music |
Active Years | 2000 – present |
Net Worth | $2.6 million |
Social Media Handle | Instagram: youngskales |
Early Life and Education
Skales was born on April 1, 1991, in Kaduna State, where he lived most of his life. He is a native of Edo State. Raoul John Njeng-Njeng’s mother parted ways with his father when he was six years old, so he was raised in a single-parent household by his mother, who was a teacher and also did menial jobs to nurture him because his father happened to molest her and moved out with another woman.
In his formative years, he had his primary and secondary school education in Kaduna State. Skales left the University of Jos (Unijos) and enrolled at Lead City University in Ibadan, where he earned a degree in office management and technology.
Career
Raoul began penning rap songs in Kaduna, Nigeria, around the year 2000. He went to Jos between 2007 and 2008 to collaborate with Jesse Jagz and Jeremiah Gyang. He participated in the Zain Tru Search contest in 2008 and took first place in the North Central division. His debut song “Must Shine” was played multiple times on the Rhythm FM stations in Lagos, Jos, and Abuja. Later, he moved to Lagos, where in 2009 he inked a record deal with Empire Mates Entertainment (E.M.E.).
In addition to Akon, eLDee, Tekno, Harmonize, Jeremiah Gyang, Banky W, and Knighthouse, Skales has worked with many other musicians. Some of his well-known songs are Shake Body, Mukulu, Keresimesi, Komole, My Baby, Take Care of Me, and Denge Pose. In May 2014, he parted ways with E.M.E. and founded the independent record label OHK Music. 2015 saw the release of “Man of the Year,” his debut studio album.
The lead single from Skales’ first studio album, Man of the Year, “Shake Body,” which was produced by Jay Pizzle, was made available on May 6, 2014. Skales announced the Shake Body video contest in order to promote the single.
Personal Life
Skales was wounded in an automobile accident on the Lekki-Epe Expressway in December 2011. He was riding in a car that hit a ditch and flipped. One person died and three people were hurt in the accident.
According to rumours, Skales left E.M.E. and inked a record deal with Timaya’s Dem Mama Records. Skales refuted the rumours and asserted that he had not signed with Dem Mama Records in February 2014.
He joined a number of other well-known individuals in criticising Desmond Elliot for promoting social media regulation back in October 2020, including Davido and Super Eagles star John Ogu.
Skales is believed to be in a serious relationship. He posted an Instagram announcement of his engagement with his girlfriend, Hassanity Precious on March 14, 2021.
Discography
Albums
- Man of the Year (2015)
- “The Never Say Never Guy” (2017)
- Mr Love (2018)
Songs
Some of his most popular songs are the following:
- Take Care of Me
- Bo Se Se Mi
- Be Mine
- Shake Body
- Denge Pose
- Always ft Davido
- Your Body Hot ft Attitude
- I Am for Real
- Jogodo ft Oritsefemi
- For You
- Shaku Shaku
- Give me Love ft Tekno
- Sawa
- Currency
- Fire Waist ft Harmonize
Awards and Nominations
- 2013-Best Upcoming Artiste (Male), Nigerian Teen Choice Awards
- 2015-Best Vocal Performance (Male) for Emergency ft. in collaboration with Runtown ft. Patoranking
- 2018-Best Collabo of the Year by The Headies
Net Worth
Skales estimated net worth is US$2.6 million. He is one of the most influential singers of his generation and has earned millions of dollars in endorsement deals with MTN and record labels, among others.
Social Media Handle
Instagram: youngskales
Twitter: @youngskales