Nigerian singer Reekado Banks has opened up about his exit from Don Jazzy’s Mavin Records, admitting that his decision to leave the label was premature.
In a recent interview, the “Ozumba Mbadiwe” crooner revealed that while his contract with Mavin had already expired, he later realized he was not fully prepared for life as an independent artist.
“It wasn’t a conflict situation,” Reekado explained. “I was pretty young and fixated on what I wanted to do. My contract had ended two years before I left I originally signed a three-year deal but stayed for five years without reviewing the contract.
When it was finally time, I thought I was ready to take on the world. But as soon as I stepped out, I realized how premature my decision was.”
The singer, who enjoyed major success under Mavin Records with hits like Katapot and Easy (Jeje), acknowledged that navigating the music industry without the backing of a major label came with challenges he had not anticipated.
His admission has sparked mixed reactions among fans and industry watchers. While some commended his honesty and maturity in reflecting on past choices, others argued that every artist must eventually leave their comfort zone to grow.
Reekado Banks remains one of Nigeria’s celebrated Afropop stars, continuing to release music independently while building his brand outside the Mavin umbrella.
His reflection sheds light on the complexities artists face when transitioning from label-backed platforms to independent careers in the highly competitive music industry.
