Nigerian rapper, singer and songwriter Skales, born Raoul John Njeng-Njeng, released his highly anticipated album Martina’s Son. The deeply personal project, named in tribute to his late mother, Martina, marks a significant milestone in Skales’ career, exhibiting his growth and resilience. The album blends Afrobeats, Afro-fusion, and street-pop with emotional depth, featuring a star-studded lineup of collaborations and infectious rhythms that can work on the dancefloor and in the heart. Following his 2022 album Sweet Distractions, Martina’s Son cements Skales’ enduring presence in the Afrobeats scene.
Martina’s Son is a heartfelt homage to Skales’ mother, whose influence shaped his life and music career through her cassette store in Kaduna. The album reflects his journey from humble beginnings to global stages, weaving themes of gratitude, resilience, and legacy. Tracks like Until We Meet Again, featuring TÖME and Bolu Ajibade, open the album with soulful vulnerability, setting an emotional tone. Glory, with Fave, blends uplifting melodies with heartfelt lyrics, while Tota E Mole, featuring Yinka Ayefele and Kvng Vinci, fuses Afropop with gospel-inspired depth, bridging generations of Nigerian music.
The album’s 10+ tracks showcase Skales’ versatility, blending nostalgic Naija street tunes with modern Afro-fusion sounds. Produced by talents like Jaypizzle, Wondah, and Remy Baggins, the project incorporates amapiano log drums, highlife, and pop influences. Standout collaborations include Body on Me with Joshua Baraka, a sultry cross-border hit; Alcohol Na Your Mate? with Faze and Magnito, reviving early 2000s vibes; and Looseguard with Nasboi, delivering playful street energy. Other features like Innoss’B on Jogo (Remix) and Oscar el Ruso on Shake Body [Spanish Remix] highlight Skales’ global reach, while singles like Mental and Another One set the stage with infectious rhythms.
Martina’s Son has been met with widespread acclaim for its emotional resonance and genre-blending innovation. Fans on social media, responding to Skales’ posts, celebrated the album’s release, with tracks like Mental and Tota E Mole sparking buzz. Available now on DSPs, the album has solidified Skales’ legacy as a consistent voice in Afrobeats, amplified by the viral resurgence of his 2014 hit Shake Body on TikTok, thanks to FC Barcelona’s professional football prodigy, Lamine Yamal.
Martina’s Son attests to Skales’ evolution, from his E.M.E days to his independent journey with OHK Music. The album’s rich storytelling, cultural depth, and dynamic collaborations position it as one of 2025’s most compelling Afrobeats projects, honouring his mother’s legacy while pushing the genre forward.
Listen to Martina’s Son here.
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