Nigerian rapper, singer, and songwriter Skales — born Raoul John Njeng-Njeng — has officially released his highly anticipated new album, Martina’s Son. The deeply personal body of work pays tribute to his late mother, Martina, and marks a defining moment in Skales’ career, blending Afrobeats, Afro-fusion, and street-pop with heartfelt emotion and musical maturity.
Following his 2022 album Sweet Distractions, Martina’s Son cements Skales’ enduring legacy as one of Afrobeats’ most consistent voices. The album reflects his evolution both as an artist and a man, weaving themes of gratitude, resilience, and legacy throughout.
At its core, Martina’s Son is a heartfelt homage to Skales’ mother, whose cassette store in Kaduna sparked his lifelong love for music. From humble beginnings to global stages, the project captures his journey with emotional honesty and sonic diversity.
The album opens with Until We Meet Again, featuring TÖME and Bolu Ajibade, a soulful introduction that sets a vulnerable tone. Glory with Fave uplifts listeners with melodies of hope and triumph, while Tota E Mole featuring Yinka Ayefele and Kvng Vinci bridges Afropop and gospel influences — a nod to the deep spiritual undertones of Nigerian music.
Across its tracklist, Martina’s Son showcases Skales’ versatility, seamlessly blending nostalgic Naija street tunes with modern Afro-fusion sounds. Produced by an elite lineup including Jaypizzle, Wondah, and Remy Baggins, the album draws from amapiano, highlife, and pop influences, delivering both dancefloor anthems and introspective gems.
Standout collaborations include Body on Me with Joshua Baraka, a sultry cross-border jam; Alcohol Na Your Mate? featuring Faze and Magnito, which revives early 2000s Naija vibes; and Looseguard with Nasboi, an energetic, street-inspired favorite. Jogo (Remix) with Innoss’B and Shake Body [Spanish Remix] featuring Oscar el Ruso highlight Skales’ growing global reach, while singles like Mental and Another One build infectious momentum.
Martina’s Son has already drawn widespread praise for its emotional depth and genre-fluid creativity. Fans have flooded social media with excitement, celebrating Skales’ vulnerability and artistry. The release also coincides with a viral resurgence of his 2014 hit Shake Body on TikTok — amplified by FC Barcelona’s football prodigy, Lamine Yamal, who recently featured the song in a post.
From his early days under E.M.E. to his independent journey with OHK Music, Skales has remained a cornerstone of modern Afrobeats. Martina’s Son not only honors his mother’s legacy but also reaffirms his role as one of the genre’s most enduring and emotionally resonant artists.
