Skales claims to have inspired Burna Boy’s rise to stardom
Nigerian singer Raoul Njeng-Njeng, Skales claims he inspired Burna Boy’s career at a key moment, reflecting on their impactful collaboration on Naija FM.
The conversation revolved around Skales’ 2017 remix of his hit song “Temper,” which featured Burna Boy. According to Skales, at the time of the collaboration, Burna Boy, who hails from Port Harcourt, lacked a breakout hit. He suggested their joint effort on the “Temper Remix” marked a turning point for Burna Boy’s career trajectory.
“I Inspired Burna Boy”
“I inspired Burna Boy. He will agree with me,” Skales confidently stated during the interview. He emphasized that the success of “Temper Remix” gave Burna Boy a much-needed boost in the industry.
“At that time, Burna Boy had no hot song before I featured him on the remix. It was after our collaboration that his career began to take off. I’m not trying to take credit for his success, but I believe I inspired him at a point,” He explained.
However, he was quick to acknowledge the mutual exchange of influence between them. Skales pointed out that while he may have inspired Burna Boy during the early stages of his career, Burna Boy has, in turn, been a source of inspiration for him over the years.
Collaboration
For Skales, the essence of collaboration in the music industry goes beyond sharing the spotlight. It’s about mutual growth, learning, and promoting each other’s artistry.
“So, nobody helps anybody,” he noted. “We probably admire ourselves and decide to work together. That’s how it works in music. We feed off each other’s creativity, and that’s how the industry evolves.”
Skales’ remarks shed light on how collaborations often serve as steppingstones for emerging artists, enabling them to showcase their talent to wider audiences. The Nigerian music scene, renowned for its vibrant and competitive nature, thrives on such partnerships.
Burna Boy’s achievements
Burna Boy, now a global Afrobeat icon, has achieved remarkable success in recent years. From winning a Grammy Award for Twice as Tall to headlining international tours, his rise to fame has been meteoric. He acknowledged this and expressed admiration for Burna Boy’s growth and accomplishments.
“Burna Boy has inspired me over the years too,” he admitted. “Seeing his growth and the way he has taken Afrobeat to the global stage is something I respect deeply.”
A look back at “Temper Remix”
When “Temper Remix” was released in 2017, it quickly gained traction, becoming a fan favorite. The song’s fusion of Skales’ catchy hooks and Burna Boy’s unique style made it a standout track at the time. It was a moment that highlighted both artists’ versatility and chemistry.
While Skales’ statement might spark debates among fans, there’s no denying that the collaboration was significant for both musicians. It represented a period when Nigerian artists were beginning to attract international attention, setting the stage for the Afrobeat explosion that followed.
Reactions
Unsurprisingly, Skales’ claim has drawn mixed reactions from fans and industry insiders. Some applaud his honesty, agreeing that collaborations often shape artists’ careers. Others argue that Burna Boy’s talent and relentless drive were the main factors behind his success, regardless of the timing of the remix.
Social media has been abuzz with opinions, with fans debating whether Skales’ contribution to Burna Boy’s journey deserves more recognition or if it’s merely a case of overstating his role.
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The bigger picture
Beyond the claims and counterclaims, Skales’ statements underline an important aspect of the music industry: the interconnectedness of artists’ journeys. Collaborations, mentorship, and mutual inspiration are key drivers of success in a competitive field.
Both Skales and Burna Boy have left indelible marks on the Nigerian music scene. While their paths may have crossed briefly during the “Temper Remix” era, their individual achievements have since solidified their places as influential figures in Afrobeat.
As fans continue to celebrate their contributions, this episode serves as a reminder of the power of collaboration and the importance of acknowledging those who play a role in our growth—directly or indirectly.
Final thoughts
Skales’ comments open up a broader conversation about how artists influence each other’s journeys. Whether it’s through direct collaborations or simply by setting benchmarks, inspiration flows in many directions within the creative industry.
For Skales and Burna Boy, their brief partnership in 2017 remains a noteworthy chapter in their careers, showcasing the potential of artists joining forces to create something memorable. Regardless of who inspired whom more, their contributions to Afrobeat’s global success speak volumes.
