I Inspired Burna Boy, He Can’t Deny it – Skales
Nigerian artist Raoul John Njeng-Njeng, popularly known as Skales, has stated that he played a significant role in inspiring Grammy-winning singer Burna Boy at an early stage in his career.
In a recent interview with Naija FM, Lagos, Skales shared his belief that his collaboration with Burna Boy on the 2017 track Temper Remix marked a turning point for the Port Harcourt-born artist. According to Skales, Burna Boy did not have a major hit song before their partnership on the remix.
“Before I featured Burna Boy on Temper Remix, he didn’t have a hot track. After that, his career began to excel,” Skales said. “I’m not trying to take credit for his success, but I believe I inspired him at some point.”

Despite his claim, Skales acknowledged that Burna Boy has also been a source of inspiration for him over the years. He emphasised the mutual benefit of collaboration in the music industry, describing it as a way for artists to support and elevate one another.
“I inspired Burna Boy, and I believe he will agree with me. It’s not about who helped who—it’s about mutual admiration and working together to achieve success,” Skales added.
Skales’s remarks have sparked conversation among fans and industry insiders, reflecting on the impact of artistic collaborations in shaping Nigeria’s vibrant music scene. Burna Boy, who has since become an international sensation, has yet to comment on the claims.