Afrobeats singer Skales has expressed concern over the growing culture of rivalry and hostility within the Nigerian music industry, warning that persistent feuds could have serious consequences if left unchecked.
The “Shake Body” hitmaker raised the alarm in a post on X, urging artistes, industry stakeholders and fans to stop encouraging conflicts and division among musicians.
Skales stressed that rivalry should not be allowed to overshadow the relationships and mutual respect needed to sustain a healthy entertainment industry.
“One day all this beef that y’all are promoting will cause the loss of lives in this Nigerian music industry… pls y’all better stop before it’s too late… love is cheaper than hate so is respect,” he wrote.
The singer’s comments come amid recurring public disagreements and social media exchanges involving Nigerian artistes, with fans sometimes intensifying tensions by taking sides and amplifying inflammatory exchanges.
Beyond his concerns about the wider industry, Skales also reflected on his personal experiences, revealing that he had faced betrayal and attempts to undermine his career during his years in the music business.
The singer said people he believed were on his side eventually turned against him, accusing him of jealousy and allegedly spreading false narratives after other artistes gained greater attention.
“In this industry I was betrayed, lied upon, called a jealous person. People that I thought we were on the same team told many lies bout me because they got the spotlight and sold different agendas pushed to downplay my greatness,” he said.
Despite the challenges, Skales said the experiences did not end his career or prevent him from maintaining his relevance in the highly competitive Nigerian music scene.
Reflecting on his longevity, the singer expressed gratitude for remaining successful after two decades in the industry, attributing his resilience in part to his faith and upbringing.
“But this is 2 decades in and the boy is still shining and more relevant than ever…. No better help than God’s mercy…. God bless my mom for teaching me how to pray,” he added.
Skales’ comments highlight both the personal pressures associated with sustaining a career in the Nigerian music industry and the broader concerns surrounding public rivalries among artistes.
While musical competition remains an important part of the entertainment business, the singer’s warning is a call for artistes and their supporters to draw a line between healthy competition and hostility that could have damaging consequences.