Skales Calls Out Beef Culture in Nigerian Music, Warns of Potential Violence

On 12 September 2026, 35‑year‑old Nigerian rapper and singer Raoul John Njeng‑Njeng—known professionally as Skales—used the micro‑blogging platform X to issue a stark warning about the growing culture of beef in the Nigerian music industry.

The 35‑year‑old artist, who has been active for more than two decades, wrote that the constant promotion of conflict could ultimately lead to loss of life if it is not addressed. Skales’ message comes after a career that began in 2000 in Kaduna, when he first started writing rap songs, and continued with a move to Jos in 2007–2008 where he worked with producers Jesse Jagz and Jeremiah Gyang.

In 2008, Skales entered the Zain Tru Search competition and won the North Central region. His debut single, “Must Shine,” received airplay on Rhythm FM stations across Lagos, Jos and Abuja. The following year he relocated to Lagos and signed a record deal with Empire Mates Entertainment (E.M.E). During his time with E.M.E, he recorded several tracks, including the 2012 single “Baddest Boy” featuring Wizkid and Banky W.

After leaving E.M.E in May 2014, Skales founded his own independent label, OHK Music, and released the single “Shake Body.” The track was later added as a bonus on his debut studio album, Man of the Year, which dropped in May 2015. The album blended Afropop, hip‑hop and R&B, and featured collaborations with Davido, Olamide, Ice Prince, Burna Boy, Phyno, Reekado Banks, Victoria Kimani, Rotimi, Attitude, Kenny Wonder and Capital FEMI. Singles such as “I Am for Real,” “Je Kan Mo,” “Always,” “Ijo Ayo” and “Lo Le” helped sustain the album’s relevance.

In his X post, Skales reflected on the betrayals and accusations he has faced throughout his career. He said: “In this industry I was betrayed, lied upon, called a jealous person. People that I thought we were on the same team told many lies bout me because they got the spotlight and sold different agendas pushed to downplay my greatness.” He added that he has survived these challenges by relying on faith, stating: “No better help than God's mercy… God bless my mom for teaching me how to pray.”

The rapper’s warning specifically addressed the “beef” that has become common in the Nigerian music scene. He wrote: “One day all this beef that y’all are promoting will cause the loss of lives in this Nigerian music industry… pls y'all better stop before it's too late… love is cheaper than hate so is respect.”

Industry observers note that beef culture has been a recurring theme in Nigerian music, often fueled by social‑media exchanges and publicized disputes. While rivalries can generate publicity, they also risk escalating into real‑world conflicts. Skales’ call for restraint follows a series of incidents in which public feuds have led to physical altercations or threats of violence.

Skales’ own career demonstrates how artists can navigate such tensions. After leaving a major label, he launched OHK Music and continued to release music that has maintained relevance. His 2025 resurgence of “Shake Body” after a viral TikTok clip featuring Spanish footballer Lamine Yamal shows that a single track can regain popularity years after its initial release.

The warning from Skales is the latest public statement from a senior Nigerian artist urging the industry to curb conflict. No official response has yet been issued by other artists or record labels, and the Nigerian music community has not yet indicated whether the warning will influence policy or lead to formal initiatives to address beef culture.

As of 12 September 2026, Skales remains active on X and continues to promote his music through OHK Music. The industry will likely monitor how his message is received and whether it prompts broader discussions about safety and professionalism within Nigerian music circles.