Nigerian music executive Olubankole Wellington, widely known as Banky W, recently shared insights into the early struggles faced by Afrobeat superstar Ayo Balogun, famously known as Wizkid, before he rose to fame.
In a trending video, Banky W, who played a key role in launching Wizkid’s career through his record label, Empire Mates Entertainment (EME), recalled how the “Ojuelegba” singer spent countless hours around studios, unable to afford recording sessions. Describing Wizkid as a “studio rat,” Banky W highlighted the young artist’s dedication and natural talent.
“Back then, Wizkid didn’t have the means to pay for studio time,” Banky W shared. “So he would hang around any studio that would let him in, hoping that a producer or engineer would take pity and give him just 15 or 30 minutes to record.”
Banky explained that during these long hours, Wizkid continuously worked on hooks and melodies, preparing for any opportunity to record—even if it was just for a few minutes. This constant preparation became his creative process, shaping him into one of the quickest songwriters Banky had ever encountered.
Today, Wizkid’s process involves listening to a beat and effortlessly freestyling a melody that transforms into songs loved worldwide. “That’s where the name ‘Wiz’ started,” Banky W noted, reflecting on the remarkable journey of the young artist who would become a global sensation.
