Nigerian music star Wizkid has triggered widespread online debate after stating that he did not follow any existing template while building his career, a claim many Nigerians believe erases the contribution of earlier artists and his former label boss, Banky W.
The singer made the remark in a teaser from his forthcoming HBO documentary, Long Live Lagos, where he reflected on his journey in the industry.
“There was no blueprint for me. I had to build a structure for myself,” he said.
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The statement immediately set off conversations across social media, with critics arguing that his rise under Banky W’s Empire Mates Entertainment (EME) contradicts the idea that he started without a guide.
Others felt his comment downplayed the legacy of Nigerian musicians who helped shape the industry.
Despite the backlash, Wizkid acknowledged in another part of the documentary that legendary Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti played a defining role in his musical ambition.
“Fela Kuti was instrumental to why I believe I could really make music,” he said.
