Fresh conversations have emerged around the early days of Nigeria’s modern music industry following claims made by veteran singer and producer Abdulrasheed Bello, popularly known as JJC Skillz. In a recent interview, the UK-based Nigerian artiste alleged that some of his former collaborators, including Don Jazzy and D’banj, betrayed him during their formative years abroad.
Speaking on the Echo Room interview show, JJC Skillz reflected on his time in the United Kingdom, when several Nigerian artists were still struggling to find their footing. According to him, he played a significant role in supporting Don Jazzy, D’banj and others at a time when they were relatively unknown, offering accommodation, food, clothing and opportunities to perform.
JJC claimed that despite this support, the relationship eventually broke down due to what he described as a coordinated betrayal. He alleged that Don Jazzy, D’banj, Ayo, DJ Abass and others conspired against him without his knowledge. Recounting how the connections were formed, JJC explained that Don Jazzy was introduced to him through a mutual acquaintance named Taz, while others came through DJ Abass, whom he said was involved in running a television station at the time.
According to JJC, he had openly expressed his desire to reconnect with the Nigerian music scene and asked the group to help introduce him to the right industry players back home. He said they agreed and linked him with Bankulli, a well-known entertainment figure. However, he later discovered that things were not as straightforward as he believed.
The singer recalled being taken aback when fellow artiste Ruggedman allegedly informed him that D’banj had accused him of cheating them during their time working together in the UK and that they planned to leave his group. JJC said the accusation shocked him, as he insisted that none of them had achieved commercial success at the time.
“I was surprised because nobody really knew them back then,” he said, stressing that he was the one taking them to shows and covering their basic needs. He questioned how he could be accused of cheating artists who, according to him, had not yet started making money from music.
The claims have sparked renewed interest in the history of relationships among some of Nigeria’s biggest music industry figures. As of the time of this report, Don Jazzy, D’banj and the others mentioned have not publicly responded to JJC Skillz’s allegations.
The interview adds another layer to long-standing discussions about mentorship, credit and loyalty in the Nigerian entertainment industry, particularly during its early international expansion years.