'I left with zero naira' - Wizkid opens up on exit from Banky W's label

Nigerian Afrobeats singer, Wizkid, has reflected on his departure from his former record label owned by singer and music producer, Banky W.

Speaking in an interview on Capital Xtra shared on X on June 9, 2026, Wizkid revealed that he left Banky W’s label with no money despite the success he had achieved at the time.

According to the award-winning singer, he believed in his potential and felt it was the right time to take the next step in his career.

Wizkid makes history as first African artist to reach 10 billion Spotify streams

He added that although Banky W played a significant role in shaping his journey, he knew he could not remain under the label forever if he wanted to grow independently.

“I left the label, and it’s so crazy because nobody really knows that story. I literally had to leave with zero naira. And I was Wizkid, but I just felt like I couldn’t keep doing this.

"It was a great time in my life because I’m thankful to Banky W for everything he did for me. But at a certain point, artistes naturally get to a stage where they want to progress and move forward,” he said.

'Being broke almost killed my confidence' – Wizkid

Wizkid further reflected on how confident he was after leaving the label, revealing that he strongly believed the project he released afterwards would open bigger opportunities for him globally.

“I released that album, I kept telling my boys that I was going to tour the world with this one. I was hopeful and thankful to God. Everything just kept happening. It’s God’s blessings,” he added.

Watch the video below:

“When I left Banky Ws record label I left with zero naira and I was Wizkid,

I told Bass we are going to tour the world with the next album”

— Wizkid pic.twitter.com/kR0e9O3k97

— Number One🥇 (@numberonetweep) June 9, 2026