Nigerian singer Reekado Banks has reflected on his decision to part ways with Mavin Records, admitting that he left the powerhouse label that launched his career earlier than he should have.
Reekado, born Ayoleyi Hanniel Solomon, rose to fame in 2014 after signing with Don Jazzy’s Mavin Records. His impressive run included winning Rookie of the Year at The Headies 2014 and later clinching the highly coveted Next Rated Award at The Headies 2015; a moment that sparked one of the most memorable controversies in the award’s history.
In 2018, however, the singer shocked fans when he announced his departure from Mavin Records to launch his own imprint, Banks Music. At the time, many assumed the move was a natural step forward in his career, but Reekado now admits the transition came too soon.
Speaking during an interview with reality TV star Teddy A on The Echoo Room, the Katapot crooner revealed that he only realised how premature his exit was when he began managing the business side of music independently.
“It [my exit from Mavin Records] wasn’t a conflict situation. I was pretty young and pretty fixated on what I wanted to do, I wanted to leave. Anyways, my contract had ended two years prior. I signed a three-year contract and I allowed it to ride for another two years. So, I was there for five years without reviewing the contract.
“So, when it was time, I thought I wanted to do this [leave] now. I thought I could do it now. I just embarked on the journey, as many people would view it, prematurely. As soon as I jumped into the sea as well, I realised how premature it was,” he admitted.
Reekado was quick to clarify that his exit was not due to any fallout with Don Jazzy or the Mavin team but rather a personal decision fueled by youthful determination and ambition.
Since leaving, the singer has continued to push his career under Banks Music, releasing several singles that have kept him in the spotlight. However, his candid admission underscores the challenges many artists face when stepping out of the shadow of a major label to build their own legacy.
