Nigerian music superstar Wizkid has stirred debate across social media after stating that he had “no blueprint” during his early rise in the music industry, a claim critics say downplays the role of his former label boss, Banky W, and other pioneers who paved the way for today’s Afrobeats stars.
In a snippet from his upcoming HBO documentary, Long Live Lagos, the Grammy-winning artist said, “There was no blueprint for me. I had to build a structure for myself.”
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The remark quickly went viral, with many Nigerians accusing the singer of revising history, noting that he emerged under Empire Mates Entertainment (EME), the label owned by Banky W, where he released his breakout debut album Superstar.
Wizkid’s comment triggered a wave of reactions on X (formerly Twitter), where fans and critics debated whether he was erasing the contributions of those who supported his early career.
Some reactions include:
- Franko_Nero wrote: “I still vividly remember the day Bankole announced on a show that he wants to introduce a boy wonder. Today, this ungrateful child is claiming otherwise.”
- Arhcent added: “This guy is erasing the role Banky W and EME played in his career. The person Banky picked from school into the studio is saying ‘I had to build a structure for myself.’”
- Duke of Isoko commented: “If he never built a structure, Banky probably wouldn’t have noticed him. This dude came out with his own style… but I understand that English is a problem here.”
However, others urged fans not to take the comment out of context.
- Sir Dickson argued: “People are debating this with reference to Banky’s impact. There is no real context to that. I believe he was speaking about his style of music. Wiz has never denied Banky’s impact… Let’s calm down.”
Despite the controversy, Wizkid acknowledged in the same documentary that Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo Kuti played a major role in shaping his belief in becoming a musician.
“Fela Kuti was instrumental to why I believe I could really make music,” he said.
Wizkid signed with Banky W’s EME in 2009, releasing hit singles including Holla at Your Boy, Don’t Dull, and Pakurumo, launching him into mainstream success before he exited the label in 2013 to form Starboy Entertainment.
The HBO documentary Long Live Lagos is expected to explore his career journey, influence, and global rise.
