Nigerian singer Skales is experiencing a strong commercial comeback, thanks to the unexpected resurgence of his 2014 hit single, Shake Body, which has gone viral on TikTok.
The renewed popularity of the song has prompted Skales to seize the moment by announcing the release of his upcoming album titled Martina’s Son.
The announcement was made via his X (formerly Twitter) account, where he posted a video of himself in the studio with gospel and Tungba legend Yinka Ayefele. The two were seen recording a track that samples one of Ayefele’s classic songs.
The buzz around the album has been fuelled by Skales’ rising profile, especially following the viral dance videos by 16-year-old FC Barcelona star Lamine Yamal. With over 26 million TikTok followers, Yamal’s love for Shake Body has introduced the song to a new global audience.
In appreciation, Skales released a new track titled Dance Like Lamine Yamal, which celebrates the young footballer’s influence in the song’s viral success.
This momentum also pushed Skales to cross one million monthly listeners on Spotify for the first time in his career.
Skales’ comeback follows a growing trend where old Nigerian songs gain new life on TikTok.
Earlier in 2024, veteran highlife musician Mike Ejeagha saw a spike in streams after comedian Brain Jotter used his 41-year-old song Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo in a viral video. Similarly, CKay’s Love Nwantiti found global fame years after its release through TikTok trends.
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