Skales Rides the Viral Wave as ‘Shake Body’ Resurges, Announces New Album ‘Martina’s Son’
Nigerian singer and rapper Skales is experiencing a major commercial comeback, more than a decade after the release of his breakout single Shake Body. The 2014 hit has found new life thanks to a viral resurgence on TikTok, reigniting interest in the artist’s music and catapulting him back into the spotlight.
TikTok’s powerful algorithm has made Shake Body a trending sound, with countless users—including high-profile figures—dancing to the Afrobeat anthem. Among the most notable fans is FC Barcelona’s 16-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal, whose dance clips to the track have gone viral and introduced the hit to a younger global audience. Yamal’s TikTok influence, backed by his 26 million followers, has played a key role in the song’s recent popularity.
Riding this wave of renewed attention, Skales has seized the moment with a bold next step. The artist has announced his upcoming album titled Martina’s Son, set to be released soon. The announcement was made via a post on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, where Skales shared a studio session clip featuring himself and legendary gospel and Tungba musician Yinka Ayefele. The two are seen vibing to a recording that creatively samples one of Ayefele’s classic songs—teasing an exciting blend of nostalgic and contemporary sounds.
The pre-release buzz surrounding Martina’s Son has been amplified by Skales’ strategic moves. To further honor Lamine Yamal for his unexpected role in boosting Shake Body, Skales dropped a new single titled Dance Like Lamine Yamal. The tribute track is already generating interest online, continuing the momentum sparked by the TikTok trend.
In a significant milestone, Skales recently reached 1 million monthly listeners on Spotify for the first time in his career, further signaling his commercial rebirth. This achievement underscores the growing trend of older songs enjoying viral popularity years after their release—a phenomenon that has become increasingly common in the TikTok era.
In 2024, legendary highlife musician Mike Ejeagha experienced a similar renaissance when his 41-year-old track Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo went viral, thanks to skitmaker Brain Jotter’s dance routines. Likewise, CKay’s Love Nwantiti became a global sensation years after its initial release, further proving the power of TikTok in shaping music trends and resurrecting forgotten gems.
With Martina’s Son, Skales appears poised to capitalize on his moment, blending old-school charm with modern appeal. As the album rollout continues, fans are eagerly awaiting what could be a defining chapter in the artist’s evolving story.
