Veteran Nigerian singer and producer Abdulrasheed Bello, popularly known as JJC Skillz, has reopened old wounds in the music industry, accusing former associates including heavyweights Don Jazzy and D’banj of conspiring against him during their early days in the United Kingdom.
The Conspiracy
Speaking in a candid interview on Echo Room, the music pioneer alleged that a group of his former protégés plotted behind his back while he was supporting them.
He stated:
“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.”
The Request for Help
JJC Skillz explained that the relationship dynamics began to shift when he asked for their assistance to navigate the Nigerian music scene, as he was less familiar with the local industry at the time.
He recounted:
“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.’”
He noted that while they eventually connected him with Bankulli, he believes there were hidden agendas at play.
Accusations of Cheating
The situation deteriorated when rumors surfaced that Don Jazzy and D’banj were planning to exit his group. JJC Skillz claimed he received this intelligence from rapper Ruggedman, along with a painful accusation that he had financially cheated them.
He said:
“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.”
“How Can I Cheat You When You Have No Money?”
The filmmaker expressed deep hurt over the claims, insisting that the accusations were illogical because the artists had no income at the time. He emphasized that he was the one bearing the financial burden for their survival and promotion.
He defended himself, stating:
“I was shocked because nobody knew them back then, I was the one taking them to shows, accommodating, feeding and clothing them.”
“So, how can I be cheating when you haven’t made any money?”