How I was forced to perform in exchange for better treatment – SKALES narrates his experience in Police cell

Monday, May 5, 2025 - Nigerian singer, Skales, has narrated how he was forced to perform his hit song ‘Shake Body’ in the police cell.

Speaking in a viral interview shared by Zikoko media, Skales explained that he was forcefully locked up in a cell after his manager had issues with a Nigerian billionaire who got him arrested.

Recounting his experience with other inmates, the singer stated that he was forced to perform his hits ‘Shake Body’ and ‘Emergency’ in exchange for a better sleeping arrangement.

While discussing what happened to him in the music industry that nobody knew about, Skales revealed how he turned down the inmates’ offered to execute the billionaire.

“One time, my manager and I were locked up for no reason. We had issue with a billionaire, just because of power, they arrested my manager and told me to go home. And I said how can you arrest my manager, and I will go home?

“I followed them to police station. While writing a statement for my manager, they said I had to sleep in the cell. So, I slept in cell and performed because when I got in there, one guy recognised me and said I looked like Skales. I told him I’m Skales. He asked me how come? If I had killed someone.

“When I explained what happened to him, he said that’s how all these billionaires do. He even offered to help me murder him. But I told him no and that he should forget about it.

“He told me that they had a boss and I had to go greet him, that if not, the boys beneath will deal with me. So, when he told their boss that I was Skales. The boss asked me to mention the song I wanted to perform. He mentioned ‘Shake Body’ and ‘Emergency’ and even sang some lyrics from ‘Emergency’.

“He said I would perform for them for me to sleep on the mat. He said they would give me a special place when I perform because all of them sleep on the floor. I performed, sang the lyrics and everything shamelessly.

“He actually felt bad for me and said this boy does not deserve to be here. While you’re in the cell, your family has to be sending money to the police to buy you food if not, you won’t eat. So, when I left, I bought them lot of food and thanked them.”