Afrobeats history is often celebrated as a series of global triumphs, but a revealing interview with pioneer JJC Skillz on the Echoo Room presents a starkly different narrative of betrayal and the intentional erasure of a blueprint. JJC, who began his career as a DJ in the UK, was the first to blend Yoruba lyrics with hip-hop and reggae, a sound he originally termed "Afropan" music. Initially, his goal was to remain behind the scenes as an A&R and producer through his "Big Brothers" production company, developing street talent into stars. However, a sudden arrest of a group member in 2002 forced him to step into the spotlight as the performer "Skillz," leading to an unexpected rise as an international superstar with his face on billboards across Europe.
The Echoo Room contribution to the cultural record highlights the early mentorship JJC provided to industry titans like Don Jazzy and D'Banj,. JJC recounted how he brought Don Jazzy into his "Backbone Music" collective, teaching him how to use production software and providing for the group’s every need—from housing and food to clothing—before they had earned any money. This relationship reached a breaking point during a 2004 promotional trip to Nigeria. Despite the trip's success, JJC discovered his proteges were allegedly conspiring against him, fueled by rumors that he was "cheating" them. Upon returning to London, JJC presented a 50/50 partnership contract—a deal he notes was exceptionally generous compared to the 80/20 industry standard—but the artists refused to sign, leading to a permanent fracture.
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Further conflict arose years later when JJC attempted to launch a new project, "Two Chris," under his "Big Boys" label. He described a confrontation in a VIP club where D'Banj allegedly told him that just as he "stole" Don Jazzy, he would take the "Two Chris" duo as well. This was followed by a meeting with the artists' mother, who demanded JJC return his equipment and stop working with her children, an event that left JJC so devastated he sold his gear to a pawn shop to support his daughter. JJC views these actions as part of a "grand scheme" to sideline him from the history of the genre he helped build, likening it to historical kingdoms being destroyed so that new leaders can claim the "new world" for themselves.
Despite these setbacks, the interview reveals that JJC has successfully pivoted into the film industry and digital education. He has found significant success with "So Kids TV," a project using animation to teach Nigerian languages, and is currently challenging Nollywood standards with his action film Seeking Justice. While JJC maintains a "forward-thinking" mentality and has forgiven those who wronged him, he is clear that he will never forget the attempts to erase his contributions. He concludes that while fame and public perception are often based on misconceptions, he prefers to let his work and continued evolution speak for his legacy.
