Reekado Banks Reflects on Life After Mavin Records, Says He’s Now in “Partnership with God”
Reekado Banks reflects on growth after leaving Mavin, says independence brought deeper awareness.
He admits staying longer at the label might have made him feel overly entitled.
Nigerian singer Ayoleyi Hanniel Solomon, popularly known as Reekado Banks, has opened up about life after leaving Mavin Records in 2018.
The artist, who chose not to renew his contract with Don Jazzy’s label, began a solo journey that led to both musical highs and quiet spells, as well as ventures outside the industry.
Reekado Banks reflected on his personal growth experience since he became independent. In a recent chat on The Esther Oye Show, he said remaining at Mavin might have made him feel entitled and less accountable for his mistakes.
“I do not think I would have gathered as much knowledge as I have now. Yeah, because I would be absolutely catered to and, you know. I would feel entitled,” he said.
He explained that taking full control of his career has deepened his appreciation for the work the label once did for him.
“You know, I would feel entitled to certain successes, certain. I feel like I would not take the blame for my failures. I would blame it on the label.
“So now I have absolute knowledge of what it takes. I have absolute knowledge of what they did for me. I do appreciate the label. But back then, you feel like maybe you probably wouldn’t have.
“If I stayed much longer, it would be like, I’m under the biggest label, so whatever little thing I do should count. But now I know what I am, I know exactly what I am doing.”
After leaving Mavin, Reekado revealed that he initially went into a business partnership with a colleague, but the deal fell through.
“And then I had to get into a different partnership. Had an issue with the partner. And then I am standing on my own. Yeah. But that did not work out,” he added.
“It did not work out as well as I wanted it.”
Now in 2024, the singer has launched his own label and says he is relying on a higher source of guidance.
“Now, I’m in partnership with God,” he declared.
