Nigerian singer Reekado Banks has opened up about one of the most significant decisions of his career—his departure from Mavin Records, the powerhouse label founded by Don Jazzy. In a rare moment of deep reflection, the award-winning artiste revealed that leaving the label when he did was a move he now considers premature.
Speaking candidly about his journey, Reekado Banks explained that his exit from Mavin Records was not fueled by conflict, misunderstandings, or disputes with the team. Instead, it was a personal decision driven by youthful confidence and a strong desire for independence.
“I regret leaving Mavin Records,” he admitted.
“It wasn’t a conflict situation. I was pretty young, and I had already made up my mind on what I wanted to do.”
Reekado, who joined Mavin Records as one of the label’s breakout stars, said he initially signed a three-year contract. But out of loyalty and dedication, he stayed an additional two years, making it a total of five years with the label. During this period, he evolved from an upcoming artiste into one of the most promising young stars in Afrobeats.
Under Don Jazzy’s mentorship, Reekado Banks delivered multiple hit songs, collaborated with some of the biggest names in the industry, and won highly coveted awards—most notably the Next Rated Award at The Headies, a milestone that placed him firmly among Nigeria’s top young talents.
Reflecting on that era, Reekado acknowledged the powerful structure, guidance, and industry experience he enjoyed at Mavin—elements he didn’t fully appreciate until he stepped out on his own.
“When you’re in a place where things run smoothly, you don’t always understand how much work goes into making everything function perfectly,” he noted.
“I signed a three-year contract and stayed for extra two years, then I felt it was time to move.”
While he believed he was ready to navigate the competitive Nigerian music industry independently, reality hit much harder than expected. Reekado Banks described the transition as a “jump into the sea”—a metaphor for entering a world far more challenging, chaotic, and unpredictable than he anticipated.
“But as soon as I left and jumped into the sea,” he admitted,
“I realized how premature it was.”
His reflection highlights a struggle many artistes face: balancing the desire for creative freedom with the realities of building and sustaining a successful career outside a well-structured label. Mavin Records, known for investing heavily in production, branding, public relations, and long-term artist development, had provided him with a foundation he later realized was invaluable.
Reekado Banks’ admission also sheds light on the emotional and professional challenges that come with early independence. Without the machinery of a major label, an artiste must handle multiple responsibilities—brand management, financial planning, promotion, team coordination, distribution, and maintaining relevance in a rapidly changing industry.
For Reekado, the lessons came fast and hard, but he acknowledges that the experience forced him to grow, mature, and develop a deeper understanding of the business side of music.
Today, while he still stands by his decision to walk his own path, he openly recognizes that timing is everything. Leaving a supportive label too soon can slow an artiste’s growth instead of enhancing it. Yet, he also sees the entire experience as part of his evolution—one that shaped him both personally and professionally.
Reekado Banks’ honesty about his journey has sparked conversations among fans, industry experts, and upcoming musicians. His story serves as a reminder that behind every hit song and every public success, there are difficult decisions, risks, and lessons that shape an artiste’s career.
His message is clear:
appreciate the structures that support your growth, understand the industry before diving in alone, and never underestimate the value of timing.