Nigerian music superstar Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, popularly known as Wizkid, has ignited a heated debate across the music industry and social media after stating that he had “no blueprint” during his rise to fame. The Grammy-winning artiste made the remark in a snippet of his upcoming HBO documentary titled Long Live Lagos, a project that is already attracting huge anticipation among global audiences.
In the short clip circulating online, the Ojuelegba hitmaker boldly said, “There was no blueprint for me. I had to build a structure for myself.” The statement immediately sparked reactions, with many Nigerians insisting that his comments appeared to downplay the role of Banky W, the veteran musician and record executive under whose imprint, Empire Mates Entertainment (EME), Wizkid first rose to prominence.
Wizkid’s affiliation with Banky W and EME is widely recognised as the foundation of his global breakthrough, making his recent assertion a subject of widespread scrutiny. Critics argue that his journey cannot be separated from the support, platform, resources, and exposure provided by EME in the early 2010s when Afrobeats was still expanding its global influence.
Shortly after the clip surfaced, social media erupted with divided opinions. While some defended Wizkid’s statement as a reference to his unique style and personal creative evolution, others saw it as an unnecessary dismissal of the contributions of Banky W, EME, and even legendary Nigerian musicians who paved the way for the new generation of Afrobeats stars.
Despite the controversy, Wizkid also acknowledged in another segment of the documentary that the late Afrobeat pioneer, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, played a major role in shaping his desire to pursue music. He stated, “Fela Kuti was instrumental to why I believe I could really make music.” This admission highlights the complexities of artistic inspiration and history, showing that while his journey may not have followed a traditional blueprint, he still drew inspiration from the giants of African music.
However, many observers believe his reference to a lack of blueprint was more about the absence of a structured global pathway for Afrobeats artists at the time, rather than a dismissal of the individuals who supported him. Still, the debate continues as fans and commentators give their interpretations of his words.
On X (formerly Twitter), users expressed strong opinions, some of them recalling the crucial moment when Banky W introduced Wizkid to the world. Franko_Nero, one of the many voices reacting online, wrote, “I still vividly remember the day that Bankole [Banky W] announced on a show that he wants to introduce a boy wonder, a germ in the making. Today, this ungrateful child is claiming otherwise. If Banky knew that today would come, I am sure he would have chased him far away.” The user’s emotional reaction reflects the sentiment of those who believe Wizkid’s comments undermine the crucial mentorship that launched his career.
Another user, Arhcent, expressed disappointment by saying, “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.’ God sees all.” This opinion resonates with a growing segment of fans who feel that foundational figures in Afrobeats are often overlooked once artists achieve global recognition.
However, not all responses were critical. Some fans and analysts defended Wizkid, insisting that his remarks were misunderstood. The Duke of Isoko noted, “If he never built a structure, Banky probably wouldn’t have noticed him. This dude came out with his own style of music, dressing sense, etc., but I understand that English is a problem in this place.” This perspective acknowledges that although EME played a major role, Wizkid’s unique talent, sound, and personal brand were significant contributors to his rise.
Another commentator, Sir Dickson, urged calm, stating, “People are debating this with reference to Banky’s impact in his life. There is no real context to that. I believe he was speaking about his style of music. He reinvented himself. Wiz has never denied Banky’s impact, nor can he. Let’s calm down.” His view reflects the argument that Wizkid may have been referring to the absence of a clear guide for achieving global success as an Afrobeats artist, rather than rejecting EME’s influence.
The ongoing debate highlights the sensitivity surrounding recognition, legacy, and contribution within the Nigerian music industry. Wizkid’s journey represents one of the most successful stories in African entertainment history, evolving from a young Lagos talent into a global phenomenon whose sound has influenced international charts and collaborations. As such, every comment he makes is weighed heavily by fans, industry stakeholders, and observers.
While artists are entitled to narrate their journey in their own words, fans also remain protective of the icons and institutions that shaped Afrobeats over the years. This tension reflects a broader conversation within the industry about mentorship, gratitude, and the evolution of African sound on the global stage.
As anticipation continues to build for the debut of Long Live Lagos, the documentary is expected to provide deeper insight into Wizkid’s upbringing, struggles, creative direction, and his vision for the future. Whether his comments will remain controversial or be understood differently once the full documentary is released, one thing is certain: Wizkid remains one of the most influential figures in African music, and his story—whether contested or celebrated—continues to reshape global perceptions of Afrobeat and African artistry.
AfricaLiveNews will continue to follow developments from the documentary and reactions from the music community as the conversation unfolds.
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