Nigerian artist Skales has dropped a new single, Dance Like Lamine Yamal, inspired by a viral video of FC Barcelona’s teen prodigy Lamine Yamal dancing to his older track. After performing at Barcelona’s Copa del Rey afterparty, Skales capitalized on the moment with a tribute song that quickly caught fire online, though mixed reactions have followed after Barcelona’s loss to Inter Milan in the Champions League.
- Skales' Inspiration: The song was sparked by a viral video of Lamine Yamal dancing to Skales’ 2014 hit.
- Strategic Timing: Skales released the new single right as Barcelona pursued a treble, riding Yamal’s global fame.
- Barcelona Appearance: Skales performed live at the team’s afterparty, boosting international visibility.
- Fan Reactions: Nigerians on social media are divided—some hail the move, others mock it after Barca’s UCL loss.
- Virality Continues: Despite criticism, the song is trending, with fans and critics alike engaging online.
Skales’ decision to quickly drop Dance Like Lamine Yamal shows a sharp marketing instinct—blending sports virality with music relevancy. By tapping into the Barcelona fandom and celebrating a Gen-Z football icon, he’s positioned himself not just in Nigeria’s music scene but within international football pop culture. However, the loss to Inter Milan shifted the narrative slightly, turning praise into memes. Still, the engagement remains high, which is ultimately a win for Skales’ brand visibility.
Skales has proven adept at leveraging cultural moments to spark musical interest. While social media is split between criticism and celebration, the buzz surrounding Dance Like Lamine Yamal demonstrates the artist’s staying power and ability to innovate with trends. Whether fans are laughing with him or at him, they’re all still listening.
