Nigerian singer Raoul Njeng-Njeng, better known as Skales, has revealed that one of the biggest turning points in his music career was not only a studio session or a record label deal, but a moment of prayer at the annual Shiloh programme of the Living Faith Church, popularly called Winners’ Chapel, in 2013.
At the time, Skales was facing what he described as one of the toughest seasons of his career. His contract with Empire Mates Entertainment (EME), the label owned by Banky W and once home to stars like Wizkid and Niyola, had expired.
Despite being a promising act, he struggled to find his footing in the highly competitive Nigerian music scene. The singer admitted that he was battling discouragement and uncertainty about the future.
According to him, it was his colleague and friend Timaya who convinced him to attend Shiloh that year. The programme, which gathers thousands of worshippers annually, is known for testimonies of breakthroughs in career, business, family, and personal life.
Skales recalled that during one of the services, congregants were asked to write down seven specific requests they wanted God to answer.
For Skales, there was only one request worth writing. “I wrote a song that will take me to the ends of the world seven times,” he said. In his view, that prayer eventually became reality with the release of his 2015 single “Shake Body.”
The song was an instant hit upon release. Blending infectious beats with catchy lyrics, Shake Body reintroduced Skales to the music scene and gave him the mainstream visibility he had long desired.
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It was also the flagship single that launched his independent label, OHK Entertainment, proving that his gamble on himself was not in vain.
Yet, what makes the story even more remarkable is the song’s longevity. Nearly a decade after its release, Shake Body is enjoying a fresh wave of global recognition.
In recent weeks, a video surfaced online showing Barcelona star Lamine Yamal and some of his teammates dancing to the track. The clip quickly went viral, sending the Afrobeats classic back into international conversations.
Reflecting on the development via his official X account, Skales described the song as a “divine unending gift.” He wrote:
“In 2013 @timayatimaya took me to Shiloh and we were told to write down 7 things we are praying for and I wrote a song that will take me to the ends of the world 7 times … fast forward till today he gave me a divine unending song … when they think it’s over another thing pops up about this damn song… Lord Jesus thank you.”
The post has since sparked conversations not only about Skales’ journey but also about the wider role of faith and persistence in the success stories of many Nigerian entertainers. His testimony echoes the experiences of other stars who have publicly acknowledged the influence of spirituality in their careers.
Industry observers say the renewed attention on Shake Body is a reminder of how timeless music can break geographical barriers. Afrobeats, which has grown from a regional genre to a global cultural force, often sees older songs resurface years later through social media challenges, sports celebrations, or viral content.
For Skales, the resurgence is both a validation of his struggles and a reminder of the power of patience. “When they think it’s over, another thing pops up about this damn song,” he remarked, suggesting that his career has been defined by resilience and divine timing.
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Beyond the renewed fame, Shake Body has also cemented its place as one of the tracks that shaped the global Afrobeats wave of the mid-2010s. Alongside hits from contemporaries like Davido’s Aye, Wizkid’s Ojuelegba, and Burna Boy’s Like to Party, Skales’ anthem remains a fan favorite across clubs, radio, and playlists worldwide.
For many fans, Skales’ story is not just about music. It is a tale of faith, perseverance, and destiny. From the uncertainty of leaving EME to the bold leap of launching his own label, and now the enduring legacy of Shake Body, his journey highlights the intersection of talent, hard work, and spiritual conviction.
As Afrobeats continues to dominate global charts, Skales stands as proof that sometimes, one answered prayer is enough to change the entire trajectory of a career. And in his case, that prayer was written down on a small piece of paper at Shiloh 2013.
