Renowned Nigerian rapper, producer, and filmmaker Abdulrasheed Bello, popularly known as JJC Skillz, has reignited decades-old tensions in the Nigerian music industry with explosive allegations against some of its biggest names.
In an interview with Echo Room podcast that has circulated X, JJC Skillz directly accused music executive Don Jazzy, Afrobeats pioneer D’banj, Ayo, and DJ Abass of conspiring against him during their early collaborative years in the United Kingdom.
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The veteran artist, who claims to have played a foundational role in mentoring and supporting the group, reminisced on how he provided shelter, food, clothing, and professional opportunities them when they were up-and-coming in London.
“Don Jazzy, D’banj, Ayo, DJ Abass; all of them conspired against me,” JJC Skillz stated in the viral clip, According to JJC, he introduced key connections and helped build the foundation for what would later become major successes in the Nigerian music scene. He described taking Don Jazzy under his wing teaching him production skills and even housing him for an extended period while also supporting D’banj with branding, performance guidance, and exposure through his group, JJC & the 419 Squad.
The fallout, he alleged, began when the group allegedly turned against him, spreading narratives that he was unfair or withholding payments, despite the fact that they “hadn’t made any money yet.” JJC expressed deep hurt over the betrayal, noting that he had approached them for help connecting to the Nigerian industry, only to feel isolated and pushed out as they pursued independent paths.