Nigerian singer and songwriter Skales has praised Mavin Records CEO, Don Jazzy, for his kindness and generosity during the early stages of his career.
Skales recently shared a heartfelt testimony about how Don Jazzy gifted him his first N150,000, an act of generosity that left a lasting impact on his life and career.
The former EME artist expressed his gratitude on social media, recalling how Don Jazzy’s gesture came at a critical time in his life, when he was just getting started in the bustling Lagos music scene.
Skales, whose real name is Raoul John Njeng-Njeng, took to social media to recount his first encounter with Don Jazzy. The experience, he said, occurred when he was newly signed to the EME Record Label and had just moved to Lagos to pursue his music dreams.
According to Skales, the meeting took place after a performance at the popular Industry Night, a weekly event where up-and-coming Nigerian artists showcase their talents. After his performance, Don Jazzy not only invited him to his studio but also gave him his first N150,000, a gesture that deeply touched the young artist.
“First time I saw N150,000 in my life… many years ago in Maryland, Lagos, at Mohit’s house, na baba run am,” Skales shared on social media. “I can never forget after performing at Industry Night, baba invited me to his studio and still blessed me… I just dey enter Lagos then… EME just signed me that time… God bless and keep you @DONJAZZY.”
For Skales, who was still finding his footing in Lagos at the time, Don Jazzy’s gift came at the perfect moment. Moving to Lagos, Nigeria’s entertainment capital, is often a daunting experience for young artists. With its fast pace, high cost of living, and competitive music industry, Lagos can be overwhelming, especially for artists who are just starting out.
In those early days, even small gestures of support can mean the world to a young artist. For Skales, the N150,000 Don Jazzy gave him was more than just money. It represented a vote of confidence and encouragement from one of the industry’s most respected figures.
Don Jazzy’s generosity helped Skales stay focused and motivated during what could have been a challenging period.
Don Jazzy’s support for young talent is well known in the Nigerian music industry. Over the years, the music mogul has been a mentor and benefactor to many artists, helping them find their way in the highly competitive Nigerian entertainment industry.
He has built a reputation not just as a producer and record label executive but as someone who consistently gives back to the industry and helps uplift the next generation of stars.
From his early days as the co-founder of Mo’Hits Records to his current role as the head of Mavin Records, Don Jazzy has helped shape the careers of several Nigerian artists, including D’banj, Tiwa Savage, Rema, and Ayra Starr. His ability to spot talent and nurture it has made him one of the most influential figures in Nigerian entertainment.
Skales’ revelation about Don Jazzy’s generosity comes at a time when the music producer has once again made headlines for his philanthropic acts. Just recently, Don Jazzy donated a staggering N100 million to social media activist VeryDarkMan’s non-governmental organization (NGO), continuing his pattern of giving back to society.
The donation, which was widely praised, further cemented Don Jazzy’s reputation as not only a leader in the Nigerian music scene but also a philanthropist who is committed to making a positive impact.
Reacting to the donation, many fans and celebrities took to social media to express their admiration for Don Jazzy’s kindness and willingness to help those in need.
For Skales, his encounter with Don Jazzy was just one of many key moments in his journey as a musician. Born and raised in Kaduna, Skales began his musical career as a rapper before transitioning into singing and songwriting. His big break came in 2009 when he signed with EME, the record label co-owned by Banky W.
At EME, Skales worked alongside fellow artists like Wizkid and Banky W, contributing to the label’s rise as one of the top record companies in Nigeria at the time. While his early years were filled with challenges, Skales eventually found success with hit songs like “Shake Body,” “Mukulu,” and “Komole.”
After parting ways with EME in 2014, Skales launched his own label, OHK Music, and continued to build his brand as an artist. Over the years, he has released several successful albums and singles, earning a loyal fan base both in Nigeria and internationally.
