Veteran Nigerian singer SkyB has sparked debate after expressing disappointment over what he describes as a lack of support from successful musicians who emerged from Port Harcourt after him.
The singer, best known for his hit song Pray For Me, recently opened up about his struggles in the music industry, claiming that several artists he helped during his peak years have failed to support him after his career declined.
Speaking during an interview on the KAA Truth podcast, SkyB reflected on his contributions to the growth of Port Harcourt’s music scene and the sacrifices he made to help younger artists gain recognition.
According to the veteran musician, SkyB, he played a role in supporting artists from the city when he was enjoying success in the industry. However, he believes many of those beneficiaries have not reciprocated the support now that he needs assistance.
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SkyB specifically mentioned fellow musicians Timaya and Mr 2Kay, claiming he contributed to their growth and development during the early stages of their careers.
The singer stated that he invested resources and made sacrifices to help build the Port Harcourt music industry, believing that collective growth would benefit everyone from the region.
According to him, it is painful to see some of the artists who benefited from those efforts remain distant while he struggles to regain relevance in the entertainment industry.
One of the most controversial parts of the interview involved his comments about Grammy-winning Afrobeats superstar Burna Boy.
Although SkyB acknowledged that he did not directly assist Burna Boy during his rise to fame, he argued that artists who paved the way for Port Harcourt musicians deserve recognition and support from those currently enjoying global success.
He suggested that Burna Boy could have helped him either financially or through a music collaboration that might have revived his career.
According to SkyB, established stars have a responsibility to remember the pioneers who contributed to creating opportunities for future generations.
The singer expressed frustration that despite his contributions to the music scene, he has not received the level of support he expected from artists who followed in his footsteps.
SkyB also shared an experience that left him feeling sidelined within the industry.
He alleged that a government official once attempted to arrange a performance opportunity involving him and another artist. However, the unnamed artist reportedly declined because they did not want to share the stage with him.
The veteran musician said the incident was particularly painful because he believed he had supported many artists throughout his career.
Beyond individual grievances, SkyB argued that envy and lack of unity continue to affect the growth of artists from certain regions.
He suggested that if he belonged to another ethnic group, he might have received more support from industry colleagues.
His comments have generated mixed reactions on social media, with some fans sympathizing with his frustrations while others argued that successful artists are not obligated to financially support everyone who came before them.
Many users acknowledged SkyB’s contributions to the Nigerian music industry, especially during the early 2000s when songs like Pray For Me enjoyed widespread popularity across the country.
Others pointed out that the entertainment industry is highly competitive and that every artist ultimately bears responsibility for sustaining their own career.
The conversation has also reignited discussions about mentorship, loyalty, and the responsibilities of successful entertainers toward industry veterans.
Some believe established stars should do more to support struggling pioneers through collaborations, mentorship programs, and public recognition.
Others argue that while respect for pioneers is important, success should not automatically create an obligation to provide financial assistance.
SkyB’s remarks come at a time when conversations about artist welfare and industry support systems are becoming increasingly common within Nigeria’s entertainment sector.
Many veteran musicians have previously spoken about the challenges of remaining relevant in a rapidly changing industry driven by digital platforms and evolving audience preferences.
Despite the controversy surrounding his comments, SkyB’s interview has once again drawn attention to his legacy and the role he played in shaping a generation of musicians from Port Harcourt.
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Whether or not fellow artists respond to his concerns, his statements have sparked an important conversation about gratitude, recognition, and the lasting impact of those who help build creative industries from the ground up.
As reactions continue to pour in, fans and industry observers alike will be watching closely to see whether any of the artists mentioned address the claims or offer their perspectives on the issue.
