Imagine this: you’re in the middle of your career-making North American tour, after having just closed out its sold-out European leg – and you get the heartbreaking news that your mother has died. Well, the Nigerian Afrodance artist Skales doesn’t have to imagine it – he lived through it. Shaking the very foundations of his being, Skales had to pick up the pieces – opting to postpone his long-awaited Sweet Distractions deluxe album until 2023 to pay respects to his late mother. Although utterly earth shattering, Skales was able to find some newfound inspiration, crafting up his hopeful new single “Konibaje”.
In his native language, Yoruba, ‘Konibaje’ translates to ‘it won’t be bad’ – and now more than ever is that a message we need to hear. Following through with its core of hopefulness and resilience, “Konibaje” is an infectious tune – propelled forward by thumping drums and earworm synth arrangements. As we’ve come to expect, Skales brings the fire – compelling us to break the replay button in two. Crooning about picking yourself up, and dusting yourself off – Skales offers up a self-assured anthem in the face of adversity.
Reflecting on the track Skales notes, “My aim for the song is to give hope and confidence to anyone listening that may be going through it. Also, this song is really special to me, as it is my first release since my mother passed away, and instead of being sad, I am choosing to celebrate life, and strive for more success, just like my mum would want me to”.
With over 200 million plays online, and a multitude of critically acclaimed projects – bestowing upon us hits like “Shake Body” and “Temper” – and collaborations with music mavericks like Major Lazer, Nicki Minaj and Burna Boy, there’s no doubt in our minds that his mum would be more than proud.
To listen to Skales’ new hit “Konibaje”, head below…