“Reekado Banks Admits He Left Mavin Records Too Early: A Lesson for Rising Stars”

Nigerian singer, Reekado Banks, has candidly reflected on his decision to exit Mavin Records, admitting that his departure was premature.

Reekado, who shot to fame under the legendary Don Jazzy-led label, won the Rookie of the Year at The Headies 2014 and famously clinched the Next Rated award at The Headies 2015—a moment that firmly positioned him as one of Nigeria’s brightest musical talents.

In 2018, however, he chose to part ways with Mavin to launch his own imprint, Banks Music. Now, in a recent conversation with reality star Teddy A on Echoo Room, Reekado revealed that the move came earlier than it should have.

“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 has 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 said.

While Reekado clarified that there was no bad blood with Don Jazzy or the label, his words underline a hard reality for many young artists: the music business is not just about talent—it’s about structure, patience, and timing.

Opinion:
Reekado’s story is both inspiring and sobering. It shows us that even the brightest stars sometimes underestimate the weight of independence. Leaving a platform like Mavin—where strategy, connections, and resources are readily available—for the rough seas of self-management is no small feat. For some, it works out brilliantly; for others, it becomes a humbling journey of rediscovery.

But in fairness, one could argue that mistakes like these are also necessary. They shape resilience, fuel creativity, and teach artists lessons no record deal ever could. Perhaps Reekado’s admission today isn’t just about regret—it’s about growth. And maybe, just maybe, young stars listening to him now will understand that patience is not stagnation, but sometimes the very key to longevity.

After all, true greatness isn’t just about the big break; it’s about knowing when to stay and when to leap.