Nigerian music star Skales has opened up about a difficult experience involving police detention and an unexpected performance while behind bars.
In a recent interview with Zikoko Media, the Shake Body singer shared how a business disagreement with a powerful billionaire turned into a police matter that led to him and his manager being locked up.
He explained that although he was initially told he could leave after his manager was arrested, he chose to remain with him.
“They arrested my manager and told me to go home. I said never. So I followed them to the police station. When they got his statement, they told me I had to sleep in the cell,” Skales said.
Once in the cell, his presence didn’t go unnoticed. An inmate recognized him, but that didn’t make things easier.
“When I got there, one guy said, ‘You look like Skales,’ and I said, ‘Yes, it’s me.’ He asked, ‘What happened? Did you kill someone?’ I told him my story. He said I needed to go see the boss of the cell, or the boys would deal with me.”
Skales revealed that to avoid trouble, he had to entertain the inmates.
“I performed shamelessly for survival. After the performance, they gave me a mat,” he said.
He also described the harsh living conditions inside the cell, particularly how detainees must pay to eat.
“What they do in the cell is that you must send money to the police for food, or else you won’t eat.”
Skales’ candid story has sparked conversation across social media, with many commending his loyalty and others highlighting the need for reform in the Nigerian policing and prison systems.
See some comments below:
@seyitanatigarin:“He even offered to help him murder the billionaire that’s the part that killed me ”
@mercy.xoxo:“Love the way he told the story and the gestures too.”
@lawalhardcore:“Nah this guy is one hell of a storyteller. ”
@af_rican_cheryl:“The story is sad, sweet and funny at the same time ”
@jolloffbookclub:“The inmates had a no-ticket concert that night. They’ll forever remember that day. Some may brag about it to new inmates. ”
@blossom.dickson:“You no go perform keh? If dem tear you one slap, you go faint straight ”
@stsoloverses added:“Skales performs everywhere, including cell @samson_arome ”
@tunrayomartinso:“May my talent always go before me in Jesus name. Amen!”
@akara_cafe:“He seems so sweet and genuine. Bless him. #thatgreatnigerianspirit”
