Nigerian singer and songwriter, Abdulrasheed Bello, widely known by his stage name JJC Skillz, has once again made headlines this week after resurfacing allegations of betrayal involving his former collaborators, Don Jazzy and D’banj, among others. The claims, which revisit events from their early days abroad, have reignited conversations about trust, loyalty, and rivalry in Nigeria’s music industry.
JJC Skillz allegations emerged from a recent, in-depth interview conducted on Echo Room, where he recounted experiences from his formative years in the United Kingdom. According to the singer, the events took place several years ago, during a period when he and the artists were striving to establish themselves in the competitive music scene overseas.
He alleges that behind the camaraderie and shared ambition, there were instances of deception, conspiracy, and exploitation, which left him feeling used and betrayed after investing significant financial and emotional support in his colleagues while they were relatively unknown artists.
Claims of Conspiracy in the UK
During the interview, JJC Skillz alleged that Don Jazzy, D’banj, and other associates secretly plotted against him while he was trying to help them navigate the industry. He claimed that he had supported them financially, provided accommodation, and facilitated their participation in shows and events, all while they were struggling to make a name for themselves.
He explained, “Don Jazzy, Dbanj, Ayo, DJ Abass; all of them conspired against me. Taz brought a guy called Don Jazzy to me, and Ayo came through Abass. I met them because they were running a TV station.”
JJC Skillz further stated that while he had initially acted in good faith, the relationship soured when he sought assistance to return and integrate into Nigeria’s music scene, only to discover ulterior motives that had previously been hidden from him.
Introduction to Nigeria Music Scene
According to JJC Skillz, he had reached out to his former collaborators to help him connect with key figures in Nigeria’s entertainment industry. He recounted that they initially agreed to assist him in securing introductions to influential contacts, which would have provided him with opportunities to expand his music career in Nigeria.
He stated, “One day I came to them and said, ‘You guys are obviously well connected to Nigeria, and me, I am a JJC. I just need somebody to introduce me to the right people to work with in Nigeria.’”
JJC Skillz alleged that they subsequently linked him with Bankulli, but he claimed that their apparent cooperation masked hidden intentions, suggesting that not everything was as transparent as it seemed during those early years.
Shock Exit and Cheating Claims
The singer recalled the moment he was blindsided by news that Don Jazzy and D’banj were allegedly planning to leave his group. According to JJC Skillz allegations, the information came to him indirectly through Nigerian rapper Ruggedman, who conveyed that D’banj accused him of cheating them while they were working together in the UK.
He explained, “Then I heard something from Ruggedman saying that D’banj said I cheated them when they were working with me in the UK and that they are leaving my group.”
JJC Skillz expressed that these accusations were deeply hurtful and confusing, especially given the financial circumstances at the time, when none of the artists had achieved significant earnings or fame. He maintained that the allegations were baseless and failed to reflect the support he had provided throughout their early careers.
“Nobody Knew Them Back Then”
Defending his role in the early development of their careers, JJC Skillz emphasised that he had been a key figure in their rise, often taking them to performances, providing food and clothing, and generally ensuring their wellbeing while they struggled to make ends meet.
He stated, “I was shocked because nobody knew them back then, I was the one taking them to shows, accommodating, feeding and clothing them.”
He added, “So, how can I be cheating when you haven’t made any money?”
JJC Skillz allegations have reignited discussions within Nigeria’s music circles about loyalty, trust, and the sacrifices made by early pioneers in the industry. Many fans and industry watchers have revisited the history of the D’banj and Don Jazzy era, reflecting on the challenges faced by artists striving to succeed abroad and the complex dynamics that can emerge when professional relationships intersect with personal ambition.