The ‘Pray For Me’ crooner said he played a significant role in promoting and supporting several artists during the early years of their careers, but claims many of them distanced themselves from him after his own career declined.
Speaking on a recent episode of the KAA Truth podcast, SkyB reflected on the sacrifices made by pioneering artists who helped put Port Harcourt on Nigeria’s music map, insisting that some of the beneficiaries of those efforts have failed to reciprocate the support.
According to him, he offered assistance to artists such as Mr. 2Kay and Timaya during his time in the spotlight and expected a stronger sense of solidarity within the industry.
“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.
“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.”
Burna Boy Should Remember Those Who Came Before Him – SkyB
The singer also expressed frustration over what he sees as a lack of recognition from global Afrobeats star Burna Boy, who hails from Port Harcourt and has become one of Africa’s most successful music exports.
While acknowledging that he did not directly assist Burna Boy's rise to stardom, SkyB argued that established stars have a responsibility to uplift veterans and pioneers whose efforts helped create opportunities for future generations.
“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.”
SkyB suggested that a collaboration, endorsement, or financial assistance from successful artists could help revive the careers of veteran musicians who have fallen out of the spotlight.
Singer Raises Concerns Over Regional Loyalty
The veteran musician further alleged that regional and ethnic dynamics may have contributed to the lack of support he has experienced within the industry.
Drawing comparisons with other parts of the country, he claimed that artists from certain ethnic groups tend to receive stronger backing from their peers.
“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.
His comments add to ongoing conversations about mentorship, loyalty, and support systems within Nigeria’s entertainment industry, where many veteran artists have at various times called for greater recognition and assistance from younger generations who have achieved mainstream success.
Despite his frustrations, SkyB remains one of the early voices credited with helping shape the Port Harcourt music movement, a scene that has since produced several nationally and internationally recognised stars.