Veteran Nigerian musician SkyB has opened up about what he describes as a lack of support from some of the artists who emerged from Port Harcourt after benefiting from the foundation laid by earlier entertainers in the city. During a recent interview on the KAA Truth Podcast, the singer reflected on his contributions to the growth of the Port Harcourt music scene and explained why he feels overlooked by several artists who achieved mainstream success after him. According to SkyB, he played a role in helping develop opportunities for younger musicians from Rivers State at a time when the city was still striving for recognition within the Nigerian entertainment industry. He stated that artists such as Timaya and Mr. 2Kay benefited from the sacrifices and investments made by pioneers who worked tirelessly to place Port Harcourt on the national music map. The singer noted that while he enjoyed a successful period in the spotlight, circumstances later changed, and he expected some level of support from individuals who had either benefited from his efforts or followed the path created by his generation. SkyB recounted an experience involving a government official who attempted to connect him with another artist for a performance opportunity. According to him, the artist allegedly declined participation because he did not want to share the stage with SkyB. The veteran musician described the incident as disappointing, especially because he believes he had previously contributed to the advancement of several entertainers from the region. Reflecting on the development of the Port Harcourt music industry, SkyB emphasized that many early artists invested significant resources, time, and effort into creating opportunities for future generations. He argued that these contributions helped establish the city as a recognized hub for musical talent in Nigeria. The singer also mentioned Grammy-winning artist Burna Boy, expressing his belief that successful musicians from Port Harcourt should acknowledge and support those who contributed to the industry’s growth before their rise to prominence. Although he clarified that he did not directly assist Burna Boy during the early stages of his career, SkyB maintained that established stars could still offer support through collaborations, mentorship, or financial assistance to veteran artists seeking to revive their careers. According to SkyB, such support could provide an opportunity for experienced entertainers to reconnect with audiences and regain visibility in an increasingly competitive music landscape. He suggested that collaboration between older and newer generations of artists would benefit both the individuals involved and the wider music industry. The veteran singer further expressed concerns about what he perceives as a lack of unity among artists from his region. He stated that he sometimes feels musicians from other ethnic groups receive stronger support systems, while artists from Rivers State often face challenges in receiving similar encouragement. His comments have sparked discussions among music fans and industry observers regarding the responsibilities successful artists may have toward those who helped shape the environment in which they now thrive. While opinions remain divided, the conversation highlights broader questions about mentorship, loyalty, recognition, and support within Nigeria’s entertainment sector. As the Nigerian music industry continues to gain international recognition, many stakeholders believe that stronger collaboration between pioneering artists and contemporary stars could contribute to preserving the legacy of earlier generations while creating new opportunities for growth and development. The remarks from SkyB have once again brought attention to the history of Port Harcourt’s music scene and the role played by veteran entertainers in helping the city become one of Nigeria’s most influential sources of musical talent.
Nigerian music sensation Ayra Starr has proudly shared that Rihanna, the global pop icon, is her biggest musical inspiration — and surprisingly, also a fan of her work. During a recent exclusive interview with ETalk TV, Ayra Starr expressed admiration for Rihanna, describing her as not just an extraordinary artist but an exceptional human being worth emulating. Reflecting on her first encounter with the billionaire singer, Ayra Starr recounted with excitement how Rihanna confessed her admiration for Ayra’s music, revealing herself as a genuine fan. Ayra Starr stated that what thrilled her the most wasn’t just meeting her idol, but discovering that her own idol was also her admirer. She emphasized, “Rihanna is just such a wonderful person. Honestly, meeting her still feels surreal to me. I adore her deeply. There’s a common saying that you should never meet your idols, but I’m genuinely thankful I met mine because she’s absolutely wonderful. Knowing that she loves my music — I mean, being my favourite artiste’s favourite artiste — that’s a dream.” She further praised Rihanna, highlighting not just her artistry but her all-around excellence as a woman, a creative, and a role model: “She’s an amazing musician, an inspiring woman, and just a fantastic person all around. I am confident that I picked the right role model. Whenever I’m around her, I honestly get so nervous that I start cracking awkward jokes just to cope.” Looking ahead, Ayra Starr disclosed that she is eager and hopeful for a future collaboration with Rihanna, which would be a monumental experience for her music career.
