Proof of Life

Across a career forged by resilience and intuitiveness, Skales has always found a way to provide the soundtrack to good times and revelry, while metamorphosing between sonic eras with the élan of a smooth operator. Since his days as a part of the Banky W.-led record label Empire Mates Entertainment (E.M.E), the rapper and singer has been a leading apostle of Afropop’s famed fluidity, easily switching between razor-sharp bars, Caribbean vibes and balmy African melodies about the female form and his jetset lifestyle. From 2015’s Man of the Year to 2018’s Mr Love, the artist introduced an explosive bombast to Nigerian pop, thanks to a string of thumping hits that were as ubiquitous as they were addictive. The two-year stretch between Mr Love and Skales’ 2020 EP Healing Process—released at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic—saw a rejigging of his sound to include more R&B and soul influences as he explored familial bonds, growing up in the public eye, romantic attachment and the pressure of stardom. 2022’s Sweet Distractions was a return to the high-octane, energetic pop sound upon which Skales built his reputation. On his new project, Proof of Life, the singer makes a reconciliation between that lively pop template and the soul-indented sound he premiered on Healing Process, as he celebrates his life and makes a case for embracing peace and positive affirmations. Propelled by amapiano’s log drums, wavy basslines and inventive percussion patterns, Proof of Life paints Skales as a star at ease with his journey and intimately aware of what paths the future is opening up to him. “As I Wake Up” is a reminder to not let negativity penetrate his inner sanctum, while “I Still Dey” is a cheeky response to critics and onlookers who have written him off. One of Nigeria’s most forward-thinking curators—as evidenced by a number of eclectic collabs—Skales (born Raoul John Njeng-Njeng) keeps that streak up here, teaming up with Toronto DJ and producer 4Korners on the goosebump-i