Famous music executive Banky W has shared an inspiring story of how Afrobeat sensation Wizkid started his career, revealing that the superstar once spent countless hours in studios with little hope of recording due to financial struggles.
Banky W, who played a key role in launching Wizkid’s career through his record label, Empire Mates Entertainment (EME), discussed the singer’s humble beginnings in a viral video posted on social media. According to Banky W, Wizkid’s rise to fame wasn’t easy, as he initially couldn’t afford studio time and was forced to find creative ways to pursue his passion for music.
“A Studio Rat”: Wizkid’s Humble Beginnings
Banky W fondly referred to Wizkid as a “studio rat,” a term that highlighted his dedication and resilience in the face of financial challenges. The music executive recalled how Wizkid would hang around studios all day, hoping to get a chance to record for just a few minutes.
“Wizkid for a long time in his life was not fortunate enough to afford studio time,” Banky W said, reflecting on the early days of the artist’s career. “So he was a studio rat as he would go to any studio where they would let him hang out. He would spend all day there, waiting, hoping, and praying that engineers and producers would take pity on him and say, ‘Oya, come and record for 15 or 30 minutes,’ because he couldn’t pay for his session.”
The Struggles That Built a Star
Despite not having money for official recording sessions, Wizkid never gave up on his dream. Instead, he used his time in the studio to refine his craft. Banky W praised Wizkid for turning what could have been a disadvantage into an opportunity to sharpen his skills.
“All day long, he would be working on hooks and melodies, just coming up with things in case he was given the opportunity to jump on the mic for five minutes,” Banky W recalled. “He didn’t have time to think about what to write at the moment, so that became his process. And now he is one of the fastest songwriters I’ve ever encountered in my life.”
Wizkid’s Incredible Talent Shines Through
According to Banky W, Wizkid’s ability to create music on the spot is unmatched. He shared how the young artist would often freestyle melodies that would later become hits enjoyed by millions of people around the world.
“Wizkid will just sit, listen, and start freestyling a melody that would become a song that the whole world would want to sing,” Banky W explained. “That is where the name Wiz started from.”
The evolution from a studio rat to one of the most influential musicians in the world is a testament to Wizkid’s incredible talent and unshakable determination. Today, Wizkid’s success is evident as he continues to top charts globally, collaborate with international artists, and amass millions of fans.
Wizkid’s Global Stardom
Wizkid, born Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, has become a symbol of success in the Nigerian music industry and beyond. He is credited with playing a major role in popularizing Afrobeat on the global stage. His hits, like Essence and Joro, have not only taken over the airwaves in Nigeria but have also reached international audiences.
Through collaborations with artists like Drake, Beyoncé, and Justin Bieber, Wizkid has cemented his place as one of the most respected and successful artists in the world. His rise to stardom serves as an inspiration to many young people, particularly those in the music industry, showing that dedication, resilience, and talent can lead to greatness, no matter where one starts.
Banky W’s reflection on Wizkid’s early days highlights the significant role he played in the artist’s breakthrough. As the founder of EME, Banky W provided the platform that allowed Wizkid to shine. Under his mentorship, Wizkid’s talents were given the opportunity to be heard, and the rest is history.
