Nigerian singer Wizkid has sparked debate on social media after claiming he had no blueprint for his career, despite being discovered by ace singer Banky W. In a snippet from his upcoming HBO documentary, Long Live Lagos, Wizkid stated, “There was no blueprint for me. I had to build a structure for myself.” This comment has been met with criticism, with many feeling it downplays Banky W’s role in his career and disrespects the Nigerian musicians who paved the way for the new generation of artists.
Wizkid’s statement has been particularly contentious, given his emergence through Banky W’s imprint. However, in another part of the documentary, Wizkid acknowledges the influence of Fela Kuti on his decision to pursue music, saying, “Fela Kuti was instrumental to why I believe I could really make music.” This admission has led some to question Wizkid’s earlier claim, with many taking to social media to express their opinions.
On social media platform X, users shared their reactions, with some expressing disappointment and others defending Wizkid’s statement. One user, Franko_Nero, recalled the day Banky W announced his intention to introduce Wizkid as a new talent, stating, “If Banky knew that today would come, I am sure he would have chased him far away.” Another user, Arhcent, felt that Wizkid was erasing the role Banky W and his record label, EME, played in his career.
Others, such as Sir Dickson, offered a more nuanced interpretation of Wizkid’s statement, suggesting that he was referring to his unique style of music rather than his overall career trajectory. Duke of Isoko noted that while Wizkid may have had his own style, it was likely Banky W’s notice that helped launch his career.
The controversy surrounding Wizkid’s statement highlights the complexities of acknowledging influence and mentorship in the music industry. As the documentary Long Live Lagos is set to be released, it will be interesting to see how Wizkid’s comments are received by his fans and the broader music community. The debate also underscores the significance of recognizing the contributions of established artists in paving the way for newer generations of musicians.