Sky B biography – Discover the life story of Nigerian rapper Palisade Ogunka (Sky B), his age, wife, children, hit songs, net worth, career rise and fall, and comeback story.

Who is Sky B?

Sky B, whose real name is Palisade Ogunka, is a veteran Nigerian rapper, singer, and songwriter who dominated the Nigerian hip-hop scene in the mid-2000s. Born on October 27, 1984, in Rivers State, Nigeria, he hails from the Rukpakwulusi-Eliogbolo community in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.

Sky B became a household name after his 2007 album “Pray for Me” sold over one million copies, featuring hit tracks like “I’m Calling (Ma Bebe),” “You Promised Not To Go,” and “Here I Am”. His unique style of mixing pidgin English with plain English and soul-stirring vocals made him one of the first hip-hop artists to break out from Port Harcourt.

In 2024, humanitarian Lucky Udu discovered Sky B living in a one-room apartment with his wife and five children in Port Harcourt, revealing that he had only 2,000 naira in his bank account and no mobile phone. This shocking revelation brought the rapper back into public consciousness and sparked conversations about the Nigerian music industry’s treatment of artists.

His story represents both the peak and pitfalls of Nigerian music stardom, serving as a cautionary tale about record label contracts and artist rights while also showcasing the resilience of a talented artist determined to make a comeback.

Quick Facts About Sky B

Early Life and Background

Palisade Ogunka was born in 1984 and grew up in Port Harcourt with his family and siblings. His early years in the vibrant city of Port Harcourt exposed him to diverse musical influences that would later shape his unique sound. The cultural richness of Rivers State, known for producing talented musicians, provided the perfect environment for nurturing his musical aspirations.

Growing up in Port Harcourt during the 1980s and 1990s, young Palisade witnessed the evolution of Nigerian music, from highlife to the emergence of hip-hop. This era was crucial in shaping his musical taste and style. The streets of Port Harcourt became his classroom, where he learned about rhythm, storytelling, and connecting with audiences through music.

He attended Nkpolu Secondary School in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where his passion for music began to take shape. However, details about his family background and early childhood remain largely private. What is clear is that his environment played a significant role in developing his talent and determination to pursue music professionally.

The Port Harcourt music scene of the early 2000s was just beginning to make its mark on the national stage, and Sky B was among the pioneers who put the city on Nigeria’s hip-hop map. His upbringing in this environment gave him authentic street credibility and a unique perspective that would later translate into relatable music for his fans.

Music Career: Rise to Stardom

Breaking Into the Industry

Sky B started his musical career in the early 2000s by bringing rap music with a mix of pidgin English to fans across Nigeria. At a time when Nigerian hip-hop was still finding its identity, Sky B emerged with a fresh sound that resonated with young Nigerians. His early work laid the foundation for what would become a meteoric rise to fame.

He took advantage of the hip-dance style of the 2000s which was pioneered by Trybesmen, helping him create music hits that earned significant radio playtime. This strategic approach to music-making demonstrated his understanding of the industry and his ability to create commercially viable songs without compromising artistic integrity.

The Breakthrough: “Pray For Me” Album

Although Sky B had been in the music industry for a while, he had his breakthrough in 2007 when hit tracks like “I’m Calling (Ma Bebe),” “Pray For Me,” “U Promise Not To Go,” and “Here I Am” became popular on radio stations and mixtapes. This was the moment that transformed him from an up-and-coming artist to a certified star.

The 7-track album “Pray For Me” was released by Danco Music and marketed by Dansa, selling over one million copies at the time. This commercial success was remarkable, especially considering the state of Nigeria’s music industry in 2007, when physical album sales were the primary revenue source for artists.

One of his songs, “Pray for Me,” was inspired by Eminem’s classic rap song “Stan,” showcasing his appreciation for international hip-hop while creating something uniquely Nigerian. This ability to draw inspiration from global artists while maintaining local relevance became one of his defining characteristics.

Musical Style and Impact

Sky B was known for his unique music style which was defined by soul-stirring vocals and addictive beats. His songs had emotional depth that connected with listeners on a personal level. The vulnerability he displayed in tracks like “You Promised Not To Go” resonated with fans experiencing heartbreak and relationship challenges.

His music consisted of storytelling that reflected the realities of young Nigerians in the 2000s. Whether singing about love, struggles, or aspirations, Sky B had a way of making his audience feel seen and understood. This authenticity became his trademark and contributed significantly to his massive fanbase.

The Port Harcourt hip-hop sound that Sky B helped popularize influenced many artists who came after him. His success proved that artists didn’t have to be based in Lagos to achieve national recognition, paving the way for other Port Harcourt artists to break into the mainstream.

The Fall: Record Label Troubles and Disappearance

The Controversial Record Deal

Sky B revealed to Lucky Udu that he started facing difficulties after signing a 10-year deal with his record label in 2005. At just 23 years old, he admitted, “I didn’t know what a record company was”, highlighting how young and inexperienced he was when entering this life-changing agreement.

He lost all rights to his songs and was left stranded with no royalties or earnings from his music. This devastating situation meant that despite his album selling over a million copies, Sky B saw little financial benefit from his own success. The record label essentially owned his music, leaving him with nothing to show for his hard work.

This experience became a cautionary tale for emerging Nigerian artists about the importance of understanding contracts before signing them. Sky B’s situation highlighted the predatory practices that some record labels engaged in, taking advantage of young, talented artists desperate for their big break.

Mysterious Disappearance from Music Scene

After his initial success, Sky B mysteriously vanished from the music scene, leaving fans wondering about his whereabouts. For years, there was complete silence from the artist who had once dominated airwaves across Nigeria. His sudden disappearance sparked numerous rumors and speculation about what had happened to the beloved rapper.

Sometime in 2019, there were rumours that Sky B had passed away from a heart attack in Owerri, Imo State. These death rumors claimed he was found unconscious at his residence and taken to the Federal Medical Center in Owerri where he was confirmed dead. The news spread rapidly across social media and news outlets, with many fans mourning the supposed loss of the talented artist.

These rumours were later revealed to be false after it was discovered that he was alive but facing some personal and career challenges. The false death reports actually stemmed from a movie role where Sky B’s character died, which somehow got misreported as the artist’s actual death.

The Comeback: Lucky Udu’s Intervention

Discovery and Viral Interview

In 2024, Nigerian tourist and humanitarian Lucky Udu discovered Sky B living a modest life in a one-room apartment with his family in Port Harcourt. This discovery would change Sky B’s life and bring his story back into national consciousness.

During the interview with Lucky Udu, Sky B revealed that he barely had 2,000 naira in his bank account and did not have a mobile phone. This shocking revelation about the dire financial straits of a once-celebrated artist struck a chord with Nigerians and sparked widespread sympathy and support.

The emotional interview went viral across social media platforms, with millions of Nigerians watching as Sky B candidly discussed his fall from grace. His vulnerability and honesty about his struggles resonated with many people who had faced their own hardships.

Social Media Return and Support

Following the interview, Lucky Udu launched social media accounts for Sky B under the name Palisade Ogunka on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok. This marked Sky B’s official return to public life and provided him with a platform to reconnect with his fanbase.

The response was overwhelming, with a surge in followers and an outpouring of support for the artist. Fans who had grown up listening to his music rallied around him, showing love and expressing hope for his return to music. The overwhelming support demonstrated that Sky B’s impact on Nigerian music had not been forgotten.

The singer now has a mobile phone and has launched social media accounts, giving him the tools to communicate directly with fans and potentially rebuild his career. This second chance represents hope not just for Sky B, but for other forgotten artists struggling in similar circumstances.

Personal Life: Wife and Children

Sky B is married with five children and lives in Port Harcourt with his family. Despite his financial struggles, he has maintained his family unit, demonstrating resilience and commitment to his loved ones. His wife has stood by him through the difficult years, supporting him even when fame and fortune disappeared.

During the interview with Lucky Udu, it was revealed that the rapper has not been financially stable for a while and cannot afford three square meals for his family. This heartbreaking revelation highlighted the severe poverty that the family was experiencing, making his situation all the more urgent and sympathetic.

Living in a one-room apartment with a wife and five children presented obvious challenges in terms of space, privacy, and basic comfort. Yet Sky B’s dedication to his family remained evident throughout his interview, as he spoke about his desire to provide better for them.

The names and ages of Sky B’s children, as well as his wife’s identity, have been kept private, likely to protect them from unwanted public attention. This privacy is understandable given the family’s vulnerable situation and the sudden media attention following Lucky Udu’s intervention.

His family situation adds another layer to his comeback story, as his motivation to return to music is not just about personal redemption but also about providing for his children and giving them opportunities he couldn’t afford before.

Hit Songs and Musical Legacy

Most Popular Tracks

“I’m Calling (Ma Bebe)” – This became Sky B’s signature song and remains his most recognized track. The catchy hook and relatable lyrics about romantic pursuit made it an instant classic that still gets played at parties and events today.

“Pray For Me” – The title track of his breakthrough album showcased his storytelling abilities and emotional depth. Inspired by Eminem’s “Stan,” the song demonstrated Sky B’s ability to adapt international influences to Nigerian contexts.

“You Promised Not To Go” – This heartbreak anthem resonated with listeners experiencing relationship troubles. The emotional vulnerability in this track highlighted Sky B’s range beyond just upbeat party songs.

“Here I Am” – Another fan favorite that showcased his versatility as an artist, combining meaningful lyrics with infectious beats that kept listeners engaged.

Musical Influence and Legacy

Sky B’s contribution to Nigerian hip-hop, particularly in popularizing the Port Harcourt sound, cannot be overstated. He proved that artists from outside Lagos could achieve mainstream success, inspiring countless others from Rivers State and beyond.

His unique blend of pidgin English and standard English made his music accessible to diverse audiences across Nigeria. This approach influenced how many Nigerian artists structure their lyrics today, balancing local authenticity with broader appeal.

The hip-dance style he embraced and popularized in the 2000s contributed to the evolution of Nigerian hip-hop, bridging the gap between pure rap and more melodic, danceable tracks. This fusion approach predicted what would later become Afrobeats’ global success formula.

Career Timeline & Major Milestones

Net Worth and Financial Status

Unlike his glory days when his album sold over a million copies, Sky B’s current financial situation is dire. As of 2024, he revealed having barely 2,000 naira in his bank account, which is approximately $2-3 USD. This stark reality is a far cry from what one might expect from an artist whose album achieved platinum-level sales.

The primary reason for his financial struggles stems from the unfavorable record deal he signed in 2005. Despite his album’s commercial success, he received no royalties or ongoing payments from his music. The record label retained all rights to his songs, meaning Sky B could not profit from his own creative work.

His current living situation in a one-room apartment with his wife and five children further illustrates his financial constraints. The inability to afford three square meals for his family demonstrates the severity of his economic hardship.

However, his recent return to social media and the overwhelming public support suggest potential opportunities for financial recovery. Fans and fellow artists have expressed willingness to help, and his story has generated enough attention to potentially attract new opportunities in music or other ventures.

While an exact net worth figure is not publicly available, it’s clear that Sky B is currently experiencing severe financial difficulty, making any comeback attempt as much about survival as it is about artistic resurrection.

Current Status and Future Prospects

As of 2025, Sky B is in the process of rebuilding his life and career following his viral rediscovery by Lucky Udu. The overwhelming support from fans and the Nigerian public has provided a foundation for potential comeback opportunities.

His social media presence has grown significantly, with thousands of followers eager to support his return to music. This digital platform gives him direct access to fans without needing traditional record label infrastructure, potentially allowing him to avoid the mistakes of his past.

Several Nigerian celebrities and industry figures have expressed interest in helping Sky B restart his career, though concrete collaborations or deals have not been publicly announced. The goodwill generated by his story represents valuable social capital that could translate into real opportunities.

There are discussions about possible new music releases, with fans eagerly anticipating hearing Sky B’s voice again after years of silence. Whether he can recapture the magic of his 2007 success remains to be seen, but the public interest is undeniably present.

His story has also sparked broader conversations about artist rights, record label practices, and the need for better protection of musicians in Nigeria’s entertainment industry. In this way, Sky B’s experience may contribute to positive changes that benefit future artists.

Lessons from Sky B’s Story

Sky B’s journey offers several important lessons for emerging artists and the Nigerian music industry:

Understanding Contracts is Critical – His admission that he “didn’t know what a record company was” at 23 highlights the importance of legal literacy for artists. Young musicians must seek proper legal counsel before signing any agreements.

Artist Rights Matter – The fact that Sky B lost all rights to his music and receives no royalties despite million-copy sales demonstrates the need for fairer industry practices and better protection for creative workers.

Fame is Fleeting – Sky B’s rapid descent from stardom to poverty illustrates how quickly circumstances can change in the entertainment industry. Artists need sustainable financial planning and diversification.

Community Support is Powerful – The overwhelming response to his story shows that Nigerians value their artists and are willing to support them even years after their peak. This collective goodwill can be a lifeline.

Resilience and Hope – Despite years of hardship, Sky B maintained his family and his dignity. His willingness to speak openly about his struggles and attempt a comeback demonstrates admirable resilience.

Controversies and Challenges

The primary controversy surrounding Sky B involves the circumstances of his record deal and subsequent disappearance. While specific details of his contract with Danco Music have not been publicly disclosed, the outcome was clearly detrimental to the artist’s career and finances.

The 2019 death rumors created significant confusion and distress for fans who believed they had lost a beloved artist. The fact that these rumors gained such widespread traction highlights the mystery surrounding his whereabouts during his years away from the public eye.

Questions have been raised about why more wasn’t done to help Sky B during his years of struggle, with some criticizing the Nigerian entertainment industry for abandoning artists after their commercial peak. This has sparked conversations about the responsibility of the industry toward its talents.

Some skeptics have questioned aspects of his comeback story, though the overwhelming consensus supports the authenticity of his struggles. Lucky Udu’s intervention and the subsequent verification of Sky B’s circumstances have largely silenced doubters.

The challenge now is whether Sky B can successfully navigate a comeback without falling into similar traps that derailed his career the first time. Industry observers are watching closely to see if he can reclaim his place in Nigerian music.

Interesting Facts About Sky B

Port Harcourt Pioneer – Sky B was among the first hip-hop artists to break out from Port Harcourt and achieve national recognition, paving the way for other Rivers State artists.

Million-Copy Seller – His debut album “Pray For Me” sold over one million copies in 2007, an impressive achievement in an era before streaming and when physical album sales dominated the market.

Eminem Influence – His hit song “Pray For Me” was directly inspired by Eminem’s “Stan,” showing his appreciation for international hip-hop while creating uniquely Nigerian content.

False Death Reports – The 2019 rumors of his death originated from a movie role where his character died, which was somehow misreported as his actual death.

No Phone for Years – Before Lucky Udu’s intervention, Sky B had been without a mobile phone, making it nearly impossible for him to reconnect with the music industry or his fanbase.

Social Media Newbie – Despite being a music veteran, Sky B is essentially a newcomer to social media, having only joined platforms like Instagram and TikTok in 2024.

Five Children – Despite his financial struggles, Sky B has maintained his family of five children and his wife, all living together in a one-room apartment in Port Harcourt.

Pidgin Pioneer – His mixing of pidgin English with standard English in his music helped popularize this approach, which is now standard in Nigerian hip-hop and Afrobeats.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is Sky B’s real name?

Sky B’s real name is Palisade Ogunka, and he was born in Rivers State, Nigeria.

2. How old is Sky B?

Sky B was born on October 27, 1984, making him 40 years old as of 2024.

3. Is Sky B still alive?

Yes, Sky B is still alive, and the 2019 death rumors were false – he currently lives in Port Harcourt with his family.

4. What is Sky B’s most famous song?

Sky B’s most famous song is “I’m Calling (Ma Bebe)” from his 2007 album “Pray For Me,” which became a massive hit across Nigeria.

5. How many children does Sky B have?

Sky B has five children and lives with them and his wife in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

6. What happened to Sky B’s music career?

Sky B’s career collapsed after signing a problematic 10-year record deal in 2005 that left him with no rights to his music or royalties.

7. What is Sky B’s net worth?

Sky B’s current net worth is essentially negligible, as he revealed having only 2,000 naira in his bank account as of 2024.

8. Who discovered Sky B in 2024?

Nigerian humanitarian and content creator Lucky Udu discovered Sky B living in poverty in Port Harcourt and brought his story to public attention.

9. Where does Sky B live now?

Sky B currently lives in a one-room apartment in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, with his wife and five children.

10. Is Sky B making a comeback?

Yes, following his 2024 rediscovery, Sky B has returned to social media and is attempting to rebuild his music career with overwhelming public support.