A decade after he first dominated the airwaves with his energetic Afrobeats anthem Shake Body, Nigerian artist Skales is witnessing a stunning comeback for the 2014 classic. What began as a nostalgic throwback has morphed into a full-blown viral trend, largely driven by social media buzz and international influence.
The revival is fuelled by TikTok, where the song has become the background for thousands of dance videos, most notably from FC Barcelona’s 16-year-old football sensation Lamine Yamal, whose sleek dance moves to the track have captivated a global audience. Yamal’s videos alone have sparked a fresh wave of interest in Shake Body, pushing it back into streaming charts and club rotations.
Skales himself is clearly elated. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), he revealed how the song’s unexpected resurgence led him to officially release a remix version by Dutch DJ Onderkoffer, which has racked up nearly 200,000 streams in just 10 hours—with no playlist support.
“This is crazy!! With the momentum of Shake Body trending again I decided to officially release this DJ remix I heard in Europe last year… thank you Jesus!!! God indeed works in mysterious ways,” Skales wrote.
Originally released in May 2014, Shake Body stood out for its infectious rhythm, upbeat Afrobeats production, and catchy pidgin lyrics that encouraged listeners to let loose and dance. The song helped establish Skales as a household name during the early wave of Afrobeats’ global breakout.
Now in 2025, it joins a growing list of older Nigerian songs experiencing a second wind thanks to TikTok trends. A recent example is veteran highlife musician Mike Ejeagha, whose 41-year-old folk song Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo saw a dramatic spike in popularity after Nigerian comedian Brain Jotter danced to it in a viral skit. Likewise, CKay’s Love Nwantiti, originally released in 2019, exploded globally through TikTok after years of moderate traction.
Skales’ Shake Body is proving that timeless hits—especially those rooted in culture, rhythm, and relatable vibes—can always find new life. With international stars, Gen Z creators, and DJs around the world embracing it, the track has officially entered a new chapter.
Whether it’s on a football field in Spain or a party in Lagos, Shake Body is shaking up the scene once more.
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