Reekado Banks Admits Leaving Mavin Records and Don Jazzy Was Premature
Reekado Banks, the award-winning Nigerian singer and songwriter who became a household name under Don Jazzy’s Mavin Records, has revealed that leaving the label was a premature decision. Speaking in a recent interview, the “Ozumba Mbadiwe” crooner reflected on his exit and admitted that, although his contract had expired, he later realized he was not fully prepared for what lay ahead.
According to the singer, his departure was never the result of a conflict or fallout with Don Jazzy or the Mavin team. Instead, it was a choice driven by youthful eagerness and the desire for independence. He explained that he had initially signed a three-year contract with Mavin Records but allowed it to run for an extra two years without renegotiating. At the end of those five years, he decided to walk away and pursue his career as an independent artiste.
Reekado Banks said he believed at the time that he was ready to establish himself outside the powerful machinery of Mavin Records. He wanted to create music entirely under his own vision and prove his ability to succeed on his own terms. However, he admitted that once he stepped into the industry as an independent act, he quickly discovered how unprepared he was for the weight of responsibility that came with that choice.
He described the transition as a sharp awakening. The glitz and glamour of independence gave way to harsh realities: financial pressure, the struggle to self-fund projects, and the difficulty of putting together a dependable team like the one he had enjoyed under Mavin. According to him, these challenges showed him just how structured and supportive the Don Jazzy-led label had been in nurturing his talent and guiding his career.
Reekado Banks acknowledged that his decision was viewed by many as premature, and with time, he came to share that opinion. He noted that while the experience made him stronger and taught him valuable lessons, he now sees that remaining longer under Don Jazzy’s mentorship might have given him a smoother transition into independence.
His honest confession has sparked mixed reactions from fans and observers. Many praised his openness, saying that it takes courage to admit the difficulties of life after leaving a major label. Supporters argued that his words should serve as a warning to younger artistes who may be in a hurry to break away without adequate preparation. Others, however, insisted that independence, no matter how challenging, is an essential part of artistic growth.
For Reekado Banks, the journey has been both painful and enlightening. He maintains that he does not regret leaving, but he admits that the move forced him to confront the realities of the music industry more directly. His words highlight the importance of timing, patience, and guidance in building a sustainable career.
Ultimately, his reflection is more than a personal confession. It is also a lesson to rising artistes that while the dream of independence is valid, preparation, planning, and mentorship are indispensable. Reekado Banks’ story stands as a reminder that behind the fame and the spotlight, artistes are still human beings navigating choices, mistakes, and growth—and that admitting a premature move can itself be a mark of maturity and strength.
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