May D: ‘I was once bigger than Wizkid, Davido’

Nigerian singer May D recently made a bold declaration, stating that he was once on par with music giants Wizkid and Davido.

In fact, he claimed to have surpassed them at one point in his career.

The bold claim

During his appearance on The Honest Bunch podcast, May D reflected on his career and status in the industry.

“Then it was Wizkid, David, and I. I was even like bigger. Wetin be ‘Holla at Your Boy’ compared to ‘Soundtrack?’” he said, referencing his early success with his hit track “Soundtrack” and comparing it to Wizkid’s breakout song “Holla at Your Boy.”

A Promising career start

May D’s rise in the Nigerian music industry was rapid and impressive. After signing with Square Records, owned by the iconic P-Square duo, in 2011, he quickly gained fame with hits that resonated across Nigeria. His track “Soundtrack” was especially well-received and positioned him as a rising star.

The turning point: Exit from square records

However, things took a dramatic turn in August 2012 when Square Records announced that May D was no longer part of the label.

This fallout marked a crucial shift in his career, which he believes derailed his trajectory.

May D has since spoken openly about how his separation from the label affected him. He claimed that this pivotal moment limited his opportunities and ability to compete with his contemporaries.

Comparing careers: May D, Wizkid, and Davido

In the early 2010s, May D was undeniably one of the top names in the industry. His music was gaining attention alongside Wizkid’s “Holla at Your Boy” and Davido’s “Dami Duro.” Together, the three represented a new era of Nigerian artists taking the spotlight.

While Wizkid and Davido continued to soar to international fame, May D faced challenges that slowed his career progression.

Wizkid, backed by EME Records and later Starboy Entertainment, expanded his influence globally. Davido, with strategic collaborations and his family’s support, became a dominant force in the industry.

May D, on the other hand, struggled without the backing of a powerful label. His career trajectory became a cautionary tale about the importance of a solid support system in the competitive music world.

Impact of the Label Fallout

May D has repeatedly pointed to his fallout with Square Records as a turning point. Without the resources and connections of a major label, his music promotion and career growth were significantly affected. He claims this setback created a gap between him and his peers, one he found difficult to bridge.

The Road Ahead for May D

Despite the challenges, he remains an active figure in the Nigerian music scene. He continues to release music and collaborate with other artists.

Though he may not share the same global fame as Wizkid and Davido today, his contributions to the industry are undeniable.

A Reminder of Music Industry Realities

May D’s story highlights the unpredictability of the music industry. While talent is essential, timing, resources, and strong support systems often play equally critical roles in sustained success.

His recent statements have reignited conversations among fans and industry watchers about what could have been.

Whether May D can reclaim his place among Nigeria’s top music stars remains uncertain, but his journey serves as a powerful reminder of the highs and lows of a music career.

Read Also: Timaya slams Eedris for disrespect