Afrobeats superstar Ayo Balogun, popularly known as Wizkid, has stirred intense reactions online after making a bold statement about his rise to fame.
In a snippet from his upcoming HBO documentary Long Live Lagos, released on Monday, November 25, Wizkid declared that he had *no blueprint* while coming up in the music industry.
According to him, “There was no blueprint for me. I had to build a structure for myself.”
Despite this claim, the Grammy-winning artiste acknowledged the influence of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti, saying the late legend played a significant role in shaping his conviction to pursue music.
“Fela Kuti was instrumental to why I believe I could really make music,” Wizkid said.
However, his remarks have triggered a heated debate across social media. Many Nigerians argue that Wizkid downplayed the significant role of Banky W and other industry trailblazers who contributed to his rise.
Critics accused him of rewriting history and ignoring the foundation laid by earlier artistes.
Wizkid began his professional music journey under Empire Mates Entertainment (E.M.E.), co-owned by Banky W. He joined the label in 2009 and released two successful albums, Superstar and Ayo, before exiting in 2013.
The controversy continues to grow as fans and critics dissect Wizkid’s comments, questioning whether his claim reflects confidence, revisionism, or a deeper personal narrative that the documentary will reveal.
See Wizkid's post and some comments below
rhcent said: "This guy is erasing the role Banky W and EME played in his career. Person way Banky dey pick from school enter studio is saying “I had to build a structure for myself”. God sees all."
truthsavves1 said: "Wizkid is an ungrateful brat. History will always remember Banky W for opening doors for Wizkid. If not for Banky, Wizkid would still be in ojuelegba going from studio to studio."
Wizarab10 commented: "There was no blueprint for me. I had to build a structure for myself." People are debating this with reference to Banky's impact in his life. There is no real context to that. I believe he was speaking about his style of music. He reinvented himself. "
arhcent reacted: "Banky W spoon fed that boy. Built a label that rivaled Mo’Hits and P-Square, only for this ingrate to turn around and claim he built his structure from scratch. No wonder dem say Never trust the loyalty of a poor man."
olasijiayo reacted: "Never trust the loyalty of a poor man o, ha. Wizkid for your mouth, you had no blueprint, let’s even assume all the people that helped build afrobeats before you are irrelevant, but here you are Banky this Banky that! bruh . Only Burna Boy can truly say this without cap."
djtoxiq_ said: "I won’t lie it’s weird not seeing Banky W on that trailer sha. Maybe he’s in the main one but if he’s not Hmmm."
New doc premiering on @HBO.
— Wizkid (@wizkidayo) November 24, 2025
Dec 11th! 🦅 #WizkidLongLiveLagos 🇳🇬 pic.twitter.com/zGcFx2duv1
