JJC is back in Nigeria

JJC

Lagos — The name Abdul Bello might not ring a bell to an average Nigerian music lover but JJC (Mr Skillz) has definitely become a well-known brand at home and abroad especially in the United Kingdom. Having lived and operated for many years in the UK, the prolific musician/producer announced his intention to finally move back to Nigeria to further establish the name in the minds of his fans a few weeks back.
JJC who returned to Nigeria about three weeks ago says it is a permanent move as he plans to establish his music and entertainment company in the country, a thing he has being trying to accomplish for some years now.
"It is a permanent move but I will fly back once in a while because of my family in the UK and US," he said. Speaking on the setting up his Big Boyz Entertainment outfit in the country, Mr. Skillz says the outfit has got to the top of its game in the UK and the next step was to come home. "Plus the request for the Big Boyz services in the entertainment industry has more relevance at home," he quipped.
Nigerians have witnessed the homecoming of artisters like Weird MC, Tilla-Man, MP, Banky W, Sauce Kid, Ikechukwu, Don Jazzy, D'banj, Dolla Billz, Kween and host of others in the last 10 years. But only few of them have been able to weather the storm and make any meaningful headway with the rise in the Nigeria music industry.
After staying in London for more than two decades making music and directing videos for visiting and UK based artistes, one tends to wonder why the Kaduna born decided to move to Nigeria where Don Jazzy, Dokta Frabz, Samklef, ID Cabasa, eLDee the Don, Terry G, Suspekt and other producers are ready to make him sweat even with a winter jacket on.
It would be recalled that Don Jazzy was once the vice oresident of JJC's Back Bone Music in London before they parted ways to run their individual projects.
Last year, JJC embarked upped his game with his hugely infectious single and video 'We Are Africans'. The track became an anthem and acknowledged the multi-talented star as one of Africa's leading stars with a MOBO nomination. JJC, a single father of three has produced for UK acts such as Liberty X, Lemar and Big Brovas. His first album with the 419 Squad is titled Atide.
Born Abdul Bello in Kano, JJC first travelled to the UK at the age of 14. He soon delved into hip-hop music and his Backbone Music gave birth to the careers of the likes of superstars like D'banj, Kween, Smokey and M.P.
D'banj met JJC in 2003 and started hanging out with JJC & 419 Squad, going to their shows, initially just playing harmonica on some tracks (including 'See Me See Wahala'), but eventually also recording solo tracks with JJC and co-producer Don Jazzy. According to the world conquering Koko Master, "It's fun working with JJC. He is very intelligent and creative".