Nigerian singer Reekado Banks has opened up about his decision to leave Mavin Records, admitting that walking away from the Don Jazzy-led label was a premature move.
In a recent interview, the “Ozumba Mbadiwe” crooner reflected on his career journey, confessing that although his contract had expired, he was not fully prepared for the realities of going independent.
Reekado explained that he originally signed a three-year deal with Mavin but allowed it to run for an additional two years, making it a total of five years before parting ways with the label in 2018. He explained:
“It wasn’t a conflict situation. I was pretty young and fixated on what I wanted to do. I wanted to leave. Anyway, my contract had ended two years prior. I signed a 3-year contract and allowed it to ride for another 2 years, so I was there for 5 years without reviewing the contract or anything. When it was time, I thought I could do it on my own, and I just embarked on the journey. Many people viewed it as premature, and as soon as I jumped into the outside world, I realised how premature I was.”
Reekado Banks was signed to Mavin Records in 2014 and quickly became one of the label’s breakout stars. Under Don Jazzy’s mentorship, he released several hit singles including “Katapot,” “Chop Am,” “Adaobi,” and the mega-hit collaboration “Dorobucci.”
His success peaked in 2015 when he won the Next Rated Award at the Headies, beating fellow nominees Lil Kesh, Korede Bello, and Kiss Daniel — a win that solidified his place in the industry.
While Reekado has continued to make music, with songs like “Rora” and “Ozumba Mbadiwe” earning him praise, he admitted that navigating the music business without the Mavin structure and Don Jazzy’s guidance was tougher than he expected.
Reekado’s reflection also highlights Don Jazzy’s reputation for grooming stars. Beyond him, the label has nurtured other successful acts such as Tiwa Savage, Rema, Ayra Starr, Ladipoe, Johnny Drille, and Korede Bello.
The Ozumba Mbadiwe hitmaker’s honest admission has sparked mixed reactions online. Some fans applauded his humility and self-awareness, while others argued he has no reason to regret since he already carved a legacy for himself during his Mavin years. See mixed reactions below:
yomiogunmefun wrote: We all make mistakes. We know it’s not EASY but we still LIKE you. You will always be our superstar!
prankhottiee wrote: Upcoming and always in a hurry to leave thinking life is rosary outside
lawson_gram wrote: He is still doing very well in life. He tried & he failed. But at least he tried & learnt the lessons. Most people don’t even try or take any risks.
kings_fashion_empire21 wrote: Easy oh jeje take it slow o.
nenejones_esq wrote: I sincerely wish he had stayed a bit longer. But all is well that ends well.
aire_king1 wrote: Reason I respect rema for not leaving
stanley_6_to_6 wrote: I said this 4 years ago some illiter@te was attacking me saying he took the best decision, I hope all of you can now see how fOOlish you all was that I attacked me then. Living mavin pave way for don jazzy to push rema harder. Anyway this should serve as lesson to those people who want to eat it all.
ezeqwesiri wrote: The power of a “good” record label is underrated … they’re like your canopy
bleezyqos wrote: Thank God he realised that, I wish you well Reekado Banks
realnatbella wrote: You thought you got the fame and money already but no you still need your boss to build you up more. Wish you the best tho’
annorld_west wrote: What he said is true. Look at alot of artist that left their label, they are no where to be found anymore.
horneyofficial wrote: Marlian records artist can’t relate. You leave! You d!e…. Oga go Bully them till you kpai!!!
