Afrobeat has evolved spontaneously in the last few decades, and it’s now a popular genre in the global music industry.
According to a popular belief, as an upcoming artist, it’s expected that one must build his foundation under a popular music label before rising to stardom.
We have witnessed many artists who were once under a label but left as a result of misunderstandings or on the grounds of an expired contract.
While some continue to do exploit after their departure, some flounder. However, in light of Wizkid and Banky’s expose, here are famous music stars who became more successful after leaving their previous label.
Wizkid
Ayodeji Balogun, better known as Wizkid rose to prominence after signing a contract with Empire Mates Entertainment, a record label co-founded in 2002 by Nigerian singer Banky W.
Details surrounding Wizkid’s exit from Bank W’s outfit are fleeting ad different accounts come from both parties. Prior to his departure, the “Ojuelegaba” crooner released two classic albums, “Superstar and Ayo” and many under EME.
On April 30, 2013, Wizkid asked to dissolve his contract and according to Banky, he had to let him go despite owing three more albums to the label.
Big Wiz went on to establish Starboy Entertainment after parting with EME. Wizkid is also signed to RCA Records, a global company owned by Sony Music Entertainment.
Today, Wizkid’s career has taken a better pace. Wizkid made his name as an Afrobeats legend through his first three studio albums, Superstar (2011), Ayo (2014) and Sounds From the Other Side (2017). Yet it’s his fourth studio album, 2020’s Made in Lagos, that’s cemented him as one of Nigeria’s greatest cultural ambassadors and placed him at the vanguard of a global
Afrobeats wave. He’s won once on three Grammy Nominations he’s got
Kizz Daniel
Oluwatobiloba Daniel Anidugbe, aka Kizz, Daniel was formerly signed to G-worldwide in 2013 ended contract abruptly with his former boss in a legal brouhaha that let his career suffer a dip. Kiss Daniel had to be reborn as Kizz Daniel for him to float under the his Fly Boy Inc. in 2017.
Although he rose to stardom while in G-worldwide, he has continued to release back-to-back hits, albums and EPs under his label.
His latest EP, “Barnabas,” which was released in 2021, is topping the charts with lead singles “Lie, Oshe, and Pour Me Water” trending on different music stations across the country.
Tiwa Savage
British-Nigerian singer, Tiwa Savage began her career as a backup vocalist for global stars before returning home in her 20s .She returned to Nigeria and signed a record deal with Mavin Records.
While with Mavin Records, Tiwa Savage released two successful studio albums, which were supported by many lead singles.
In 2019, she announced her new contract with Universal Music Group. Tiwa and her former boss, Don Jazzy still maintain a cordial relationship and it only gives credence to the fact that her contract was mutually dissolved.
Tiwa isn’t doing bad. She has managed to maintain her relevance in the entertainment industry for years now, amidst controversy.
Adekunle Gold
AG Baby is another artist on our list who has had a wonderful experience with his previous label. He signed a record deal with YBNL Nation where he released his debut album in 2015 titled “Gold,” which peaked at #7 on the Billboard World Album chart.
Adekunle Gold had a great experience while at YBNL. His former boss contributed massively towards his growth.
Today, at Afro Urban Inc., he is still active in the music industry and has even made a better name for himself with more hit singles and features.
BNXN
Daniel Benson, formerly known as Buju, is the last celebrity on our list who has been doing well following his departure from his previous label.
Known for his ability to flow well in any collaboration, he has worked with A-listers like Wizkid and Ladipoe while under
In 2020, Burna Boy and BNXN dropped a remix of Burna Boy’s hit single “Lenu”, which officially welcomed the singer to Spaceship records
BNXN left his previous label in April 2020 on mutual grounds. However, There were chatters that Kimlometer crooner was at loggerheads with the Bose Ogulu owned label over releases, artistic freedom, and marketing. Buju took the bold step with an old friend to establish and float To Your Ears Entertainment.
Since being an independent act, Buju has remained a mainstay on music streaming ranks with his monster hit, Outside release right after lockdown, Buju remained unstoppable.