Johnny Wonder urges Skillibeng to ‘just stay humble’

While going up against international hitters in two MOBO Awards categories may not be a daunting feat for Skillibeng, veteran producer Johnny Wonder feels the nominations are bound to affect the artiste.

Skillibeng has been nominated for Best International Act alongside rappers Meghan Thee Stallion, Doja Cat and Kanye West, and is also up for the Best Reggae Act award with Jamaican superstars Sean Paul, Spice and Popcaan. The producer who is responsible for organising the young artiste's Crocodile Teeth album is proud of the 24-year-old's accomplishments thus far and expressed that he is offering as much guidance as possible. Skillibeng is the youngest act nominated for the reggae MOBO, with Shenseea and Lila Ike being the second and third youngest, respectively.

As he interacts with the other entertainers who have been nominated in both categories, Johnny Wonder told THE STAR that he has advised Skillibeng to "just stay humble."

He added "Like he always does. Skillibeng is humble." Skillibeng has worked with Popcaan, Sean Paul and Spice on productions. The song Richer which was coincidentally released on the same day the MOBO Awards officially revealed the nominations, November 11, is a collaboration with Spice. It has garnered more than 300,000 views on YouTube.

Win or lose, Johnny Wonder believes these nominations will have significant impact on the Mr Universe lyricist's career and marketing to larger or international record labels for future signing and album deals.

"It does contribute to something. It proves he is a force to be reckoned with," Johnny Wonder offered, speaking specifically about Skillibeng's nomination in the Best International Act category, for which registration is open for voting on the MOBO Awards website. Skillibeng is not the youngest nominee in the category as American rappers Lil Nas X and Polo G are two years younger than he is. Nigerian singer Rema, 21, has also been nominated in the category.

Johnny Wonder opined that entertainment awards like the MOBO Awards and the Grammys offer a world of opportunities to the artistes who are nominated and Skillibeng is receiving this at a prime time of his career.

When asked by THE STAR if awards shows like MOBO and the Grammys are opportunities to make connections or more about artistes, producers or industry personalities making appearances, Johnny Wonder said "I think it's both. Also. It's nice to be recognised by coworkers and fans."

Efforts to get a comment from Skillibeng up to press time were unsuccessful.