Renowned Nigerian singer and music executive, Bankole Wellington, popularly known as Banky W, recently revealed the intriguing story behind the discovery of his former protege, Wizkid. In a video message that has ignited social media discussions, Banky W clarified the misconceptions surrounding Wizkid’s initial introduction.
Contrary to widespread speculations that Wizkid’s talent was unearthed through a social media exchange, Banky W emphasized that he discovered the ‘Ojuelegba’ sensation in the studio. Addressing a past tweet from Wizkid urging him to sign, Banky W dismissed it as a playful jest, asserting that the artist was already under his label at that time.
In the video message, Banky W shared insights into the genesis of their collaboration, stating, “I didn’t find Wizkid from him tweeting, I found him while he was working. I heard his music when I was just listening to a bunch of unsigned artists.” He further disclosed that the playful tweets were part of their camaraderie and not the starting point of their musical journey together.
Highlighting the depth of their collaboration, Banky W revealed that Wizkid had already recorded a chorus with M.I before officially joining Empire Mates Entertainment (EME) in 2009. The revelation sheds light on Wizkid’s dedication to his craft, serving as a backup singer for Kellz at an event even before their formal association.
Banky W urged fans to recognize the role of hard work and dedication, stating, “Let God and the helper that he would use find you doing something. For some people, God will only find you tweeting.”
Wizkid’s trajectory to stardom with EME, marked by hits like “Holla at Your Boy,” eventually led him to part ways with the label after the release of his sophomore album, ‘Ayo,’ in 2014.