Nigerian global superstar Wizkid has stirred heated reactions online after declaring that he had “no blueprint” while rising to fame, a comment many believe dismisses the role of industry pioneers and mentors who contributed to his journey.
The statement appeared in a newly released snippet from his highly anticipated HBO documentary, Long Live Lagos, where the Grammy winner reflected on his early years in the music industry.
In the clip, Wizkid said:
“There was no blueprint for me. I had to build a structure for myself.”
The remark instantly ignited widespread debate across social media, with fans and industry insiders accusing the singer of downplaying the influence of iconic musicians and, notably, his former label boss Banky W, under whose Empire Mates Entertainment (EME) imprint Wizkid rose to stardom.
Critics argued that while Wizkid’s extraordinary work ethic and talent are undeniable, his journey was undeniably shaped by a thriving Afrobeats ecosystem and the platform EME provided at a crucial stage of his career.
Some commenters described his statement as “revisionist,” while others defended him, insisting he was simply highlighting the lack of structured support for young artists at the time.
Interestingly, the same documentary snippet shows Wizkid acknowledging the legendary Fela Kuti as a major inspiration, an admission many pointed to as a contradiction to his earlier claim.
As anticipation for Long Live Lagos builds, the controversy has further fueled conversations about artistic legacy, mentorship, and recognition in the Nigerian music industry.
Whether misunderstood or intentionally bold, Wizkid’s comment has once again placed him at the center of entertainment discourse, proving, as always, that when Wizkid speaks, the culture reacts.
