‘He Was a Studio Rat, Couldn’t Afford Studio Time – Banky W Reveals Wizkid’s Early Struggles

Nigerian music executive Olubankole Wellington, popularly known as Banky W, recently shared insights into the early struggles of Afrobeat star Ayo Balogun, also known as Wizkid, before his rise to fame.

In a video circulating online, Banky W, who played a crucial role in launching Wizkid’s career through his label, Empire Mates Entertainment (EME), recounted how the ‘Ojuelegba’ hitmaker spent countless hours in various studios because he couldn’t afford studio time.

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Describing Wizkid as a “studio rat,” Banky W highlighted the artist’s dedication and talent. “Wizkid, for a long time, couldn’t afford studio sessions,” he said.

“He’d go to any studio where they’d let him hang out, spending entire days there, hoping producers or engineers would take pity on him and give him 15 or 30 minutes to record.”

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Banky W noted that Wizkid would use any spare moments to develop hooks and melodies in anticipation of the chance to record. “This experience shaped him into one of the fastest songwriters I’ve ever met.

He would just listen, start freestyling, and create melodies that could turn into worldwide hits. That’s where the name ‘Wiz’ originated,” he added.

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