In a revealing throwback interview, global music sensation Wizkid opened up about the struggles he faced early in his career, particularly regarding his exit from Banky W’s record label, Empire Mates Entertainment (EME). The Nigerian star, known for chart-topping hits and international collaborations, made a shocking revelation: when he left the label, he had nothing to his name.
Wizkid, whose real name is Ayodeji Balogun, first signed with EME in 2009. With Banky W’s guidance, he released his debut album Superstar in 2011, which produced hit singles like “Holla at Your Boy” and “Pakurumo,” propelling him into stardom. Despite his early success, Wizkid confessed that his departure from the label wasn’t easy. He shared, “I was Wizkid, I had to leave EME record label with zero Naira. Everybody knows the story.”
This candid admission about leaving the label broke resonates with many artists, reflecting the harsh realities of the music industry. Wizkid’s experience parallels recent controversies within other labels, such as the ongoing disputes at Dapper Records, where artists like Shallipopi have accused the label of mismanaging finances and taking an unfair share of royalties, further highlighting the struggles musicians often face behind the scenes.
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