Afrobeats artist Skales has recently shared a surprising and somewhat surreal experience of being detained by the police. In an interview with Zikoko media, the singer revealed that his arrest occurred while he stood in defense of his manager during a disagreement with a wealthy individual.
During his time in the overcrowded detention cell, Skales recounted an unexpected turn of events. Fellow inmates recognized him and requested live performances of his well-known tracks, "Shake Body" and "Emergency."
Skales disclosed that he agreed to sing for the inmates in exchange for a coveted sleeping mat. This small comfort was a significant offering in the cell where the majority of detainees were forced to sleep on the bare floor.
"They showed me empathy," Skales recalled, highlighting the unexpected camaraderie he found in the difficult situation. He mentioned that one inmate even expressed the sentiment that he did not deserve to be incarcerated.
Reflecting on the challenging conditions within the detention facility, Skales noted the reliance of many inmates on external support for basic necessities like food. As a gesture of gratitude following his release, Skales demonstrated empathy by purchasing a substantial amount of food for the inmates he left behind.
Detailing the circumstances of his arrest, Skales explained, "One time, my manager and I were locked up for no reason. We had an issue with a billionaire. Just because of power, they arrested my manager and told me to go home. I said, ‘How can you arrest my manager, and I’ll go home?’ I followed them to the station, and while I was writing a statement, they said I had to sleep in the cell."
He further recounted his interactions with fellow detainees, including one who inquired about the severity of his alleged crime. "He asked if I had killed someone. I told him what happened, and he said, ‘That’s how these billionaires behave.’ He even offered to help me murder the man."
In a particularly unusual twist, Skales described how his musical identity became a bargaining chip for a modicum of comfort. "The boss even sang some lyrics from ‘Emergency’ himself. He said if I perform for them, they’d let me sleep on a mat. Normally, everyone sleeps on the bare floor. So I performed, sang the lyrics, and everything shamelessly."
Concluding his account, Skales shared his act of goodwill upon his release. "The boss said, ‘This boy doesn’t deserve to be here. If your people don’t send money, you won’t eat.’ So when I left, I bought them lots of food and thanked them," he said, underscoring the stark realities of the Nigerian detention system and the unexpected connections forged within it.