Nigerian rapper and songwriter, Raoul John Njeng-Njeng, popularly known as Skales has disclosed how life was tough for him and his mother while growing up.
The “Shake body” crooner said he had to deny his mother several times before his friends due to the nature of her job.
Skales in a chat with the Punch said he used to sleep in a shopping complex with his mother.
He said, “My father left us when I was really young. I do not even know how he looks like.
“My mother and I used to sleep in a shopping complex at a time. I am talking about during my primary and secondary school days in Kaduna.
“Then, the only hope for me was music. At some point, I told my mother I wanted to work and support her.
“I was chased out of school because I did not pay school fees. I had to steal school uniform because mine was bad and I would tell my mother I saved money for it.
“Also, my mother would go to my friends’ houses to do their laundry, which was embarrassing to me.
“I had to deny my mother. I also did not let my friends know where I lived because most of them were children of politicians.
“When I told my mother I was moving to Lagos, she asked me to finish my university education in Kaduna. But I convinced her I could cope.
“From Kaduna to Lagos, I got a free ride and the first place I stayed was Orile (Lagos). I lied to the person that gave me free ride that I would stay with him for a couple of days and it turned to months.”
