Singer Raoul Njeng-Njeng, popularly known as Skales, has attributed his career breakthrough to a prayer he offered at the 2013 Shiloh programme of the Living Faith Church (Winners’ Chapel).
Skales, who was struggling after his contract with Banky W’s Empire Mate Entertainment (EME) expired, said his biggest hit, Shake Body, came after his colleague Timaya took him to the church event.
He explained that attendees were asked to write down seven things they wanted God to do for them, and he wrote that he wanted a global hit song seven times.
On his X handle, Skales wrote: “In 2013 @timayatimaya took me to Shiloh and we were told to write down 7 things we are praying for and I wrote a song that will take me to the ends of the world 7 times … fast forward till today he gave me a divine unending song … when they think it’s over another thing pops up about this damn song… Lord Jesus thank you.”
The singer believes the recent global resurgence of Shake Body, after Barcelona star Lamine Yamal and teammates danced to it, is the fulfillment of that prayer.
But this raises a question: can spiritual prayers truly influence secular music success? While faith and determination can inspire and motivate, the role of strategic collaborations, marketing, timing, and sheer luck in the music industry cannot be overlooked. Is it Skales’ prayer that created the global hit, or the culmination of networking, audience engagement, and a catchy song?
While Skales’ testimony is inspiring, it also sparks a debate on whether divine intervention works directly in the secular music world—or if it’s more about the artist’s talent, persistence, and the right circumstances.