SkyB Laments Lack of Support From Burna Boy and Other Port Harcourt Artists

Veteran Nigerian musician SkyB has expressed disappointment over what he describes as a lack of support from younger artists from Port Harcourt, despite his contributions to the growth of the city’s music scene.

Speaking during a recent appearance on the KAA Truth podcast, the singer reflected on his role in promoting several artists during the early years of the Port Harcourt music industry, claiming that many of those he helped have distanced themselves from him since his career declined.

According to SkyB, he provided support to artists including Mr. 2Kay and Timaya when he was at the peak of his career.

The singer also recounted an incident in which, according to him, an unnamed artist allegedly turned down an opportunity to perform alongside him at an event.

“I once gave a PA to the Governor an artiste’s number and he called the artiste and told him he wants him to perform with me at an event and the artiste declined that he doesn’t want to share stage with me. The artiste rejected the contract because he doesn’t want me to be part of the deal,” SkyB said.

Reflecting on his contributions to the industry, he added: “These are brothers I have helped in the past. I helped many artists like Mr. 2Kay and Timaya. We made sacrifices for Port Harcourt music industry. We invested a lot of resources.”

SkyB also expressed disappointment that Grammy-winning star Burna Boy has not supported him in recent years. While acknowledging that he did not directly assist Burna Boy’s rise to fame, he argued that the singer benefited from a music industry pathway created by earlier Port Harcourt artists.

“What is annoying me most now is Burna Boy coming into limelight and not remembering me and those who paved the way for Port Harcourt musicians. He is supposed to support me financially or collaborate with me to rejuvenate my career. That is the problem I am having,” he said.

The veteran singer further suggested that regional divisions may play a role in the lack of support he has received.

“Assuming I am a Yoruba or an Igbo man, maybe they could have considered helping me. But because I am from Rivers the envy is too much,” he lamented.

SkyB’s comments have added to ongoing conversations about mentorship, loyalty, and support networks within Nigeria’s entertainment industry, particularly between established artists and the younger generation that follows them.