Rising Lagos artist Skeng We$ Channels personal struggles into relatable Music

By Ayo Onikoyi

LAGOS, NIGERIA — Emerging Nigerian artist Skeng We$ is carving a niche in the country’s music landscape by turning personal experiences into emotionally resonant songs.

The 24-year-old performer, born Idris Sadiq, says his music is rooted in real-life situations—ranging from moments of joy to anxiety and personal challenges—aimed at creating a sense of shared experience with listeners.

“I want people to feel comfortable and relate to my emotions,” he noted, highlighting a creative process that prioritizes authenticity over commercial trends.

Despite facing resistance from his family regarding his music career, Skeng We$ has remained committed to his craft, using music as a medium to express thoughts and emotions he finds difficult to communicate otherwise. Describing himself as naturally shy, he explains that songwriting has become his primary outlet for self-expression.

Music analysts suggest that this level of vulnerability aligns with a growing trend among young Afrobeats and hip-hop artists, where storytelling and emotional honesty are becoming central to audience engagement.

Since his debut release “Flex/Power” in 2021, Skeng We$ has continued to build his artistry around melody-driven production, allowing instrumentals to shape his lyrical direction. His approach reflects broader shifts within Nigeria’s music industry, where genre boundaries are increasingly fluid.

With a new project on the horizon, the artist is expected to expand his reach while maintaining the introspective qualities that define his music.