Sky B, Burna Boy, Frank D'Nero
Throwback Times Nigeria has been xraying several statements credited to Sky B on how his pioneer role projected emergence of Burna Boy, Omah lay and other trending artistes. In the recently stirred debate, Sky B said that he helped pave the way for Burna Boy. According to the singer, he and other pioneers of the Port Harcourt music scene deserve recognition for putting the city's music on Nigeria's entertainment map.
The comment has attracted public criticism, with some dismissing his claim as exaggerated. However, acknowledging Sky B's contribution to the growth of Port Harcourt music is different from suggesting he was directly responsible for Burna Boy's global success.
Burna Boy's rise to international stardom is widely regarded as the product of his unique talent, grace, consistency, and relentless hard work. His achievements stand on their own merit. Yet, dismissing Sky B's place in the history of Port Harcourt music would amount to rewriting an vital phase of Nigerian music.
Sky B was among the defining figures of Port Harcourt's music movement. His 2007 album, Pray For Me, captured the spirit of the era with standout records such as Am Calling (Ma Bebe) and Ogechi My Girl. The project enjoyed massive popularity across Nigeria's South-East and South-South regions, becoming one of the soundtracks of its time.
That period also marked Port Harcourt's golden era in contemporary music. In 2007, Timaya released his debut album, True Story, featuring breakout hits including Ogologomma, True Story, and Bayelsa. Around the same time, Frank D'Nero emerged with Kalangolo and Cure My Craze, further fueling the growing popularity of Port Harcourt artistes, while M-Kaze was also making a significant impact.
The momentum continued in 2008 when Duncan Mighty released Koliwater, a 22-track album that produced memorable songs such as Ako Na Uche and Dance For Me. Other notable records that defined the city's golden run between 2006 and 2010 included M-Trill's Number One, Soty's Malaria, and Waconzy's anthem I Celebrate. Much of the music from that era was rooted in dancehall influences and helped establish Port Harcourt as one of Nigeria's leading music hubs.
Burna Boy and Omah Lay emerged later with distinct sounds and artistic directions. Nevertheless, the 2006–2010 wave led by Sky B, Timaya, Duncan Mighty and several others demonstrated that Port Harcourt could consistently produce stars and command national attention.
In that context, Sky B's assertion that he helped promote the Port Harcourt music scene carries historical weight. Following the success of Ma Bebe, several songs adopted similar rhythmic patterns, reflecting the influence the record had during its peak. He was part of the generation that shaped the city's musical identity, inspired confidence in its artistes, and helped create an environment from which future stars would emerge.
Burna Boy owes his success to no individual. However, recognising the contributions of those who laid the foundation for Port Harcourt's emergence as a respected music powerhouse is not only fair important acknowledgement of history.
Credit: Throwback Times Nigeria
