Nigerian singer, Skales, has shared a striking experience from a past run-in with the police, revealing he was once compelled to perform some of his hit songs while locked in a cell.
In a chat with Zikoko, Skales recounted an incident involving a confrontation with a Nigerian billionaire that ultimately led to his arrest along with his manager.
He explained that he chose not to abandon his manager after he was detained, a decision that resulted in him also being taken into custody.
“One time, my manager and I were locked up. They locked us up for no reason. We had an issue with a billionaire, just because of power. Next, they arrested my manager and told me to go home. And I said never. How can you arrest my manager, and I will go home,” he said.
“I followed them to the police station. So, while writing a statement for my manager, they told me I had to sleep in the cell. So, I slept in the cell and performed in the cell.”
While in the cell, Skales said he was quickly recognised by another inmate who was surprised to see a celebrity in their midst.
The inmate warned him about the prison hierarchy, advising that he greet the “boss” in the cell to avoid trouble.
“Because when I got in, one guy recognised me and said I looked like Skales. I told him I am Skales. He asked How come? He asked if I had killed someone,” he said.
“I explained everything that happened to him. He said that is how all these billionaires do. He even offered to help me murder him. I told him no and that he should forget about it.
“He told me they had a boss in the cell, and I had to go greet him. And that if not, the boys beneath will deal with me.”
Skales said once the cell boss realised who he was, he immediately requested a live performance of his popular songs. The singer obliged, performing tracks like ‘Shake Body’ and ‘Emergency,’ which earned him better treatment from the inmates.
”He told him I was Skales. The boss asked me to mention the song I want to perform. He mentioned ‘Shake Body’ and ‘Emergency’. He even sang some lyrics from ‘Emergency’.
“He said I would perform for them and sleep on the mat after that. He said that when I perform, they would give me a special place because all of them were sleeping on the floor. I performed, sang the lyrics and everything shamelessly.
“And then he gave me a mat. He actually felt bad and said this boy does not deserve to be here.
“What they used to do is, while you are in the cell, your family has to be sending money to the police to buy food and give you, if not, you will not eat.
“So, when I left, I bought a lot of food for them and told them thank you.”
