Entertainment
Banky W Reveals Wizkid’s Journey as a “Studio Rat” Spending Hours Just to Record
Banky W, the renowned Nigerian music executive and artist, recently opened up about Wizkid’s humble beginnings, sharing how he went from hanging around studios to becoming one of the world’s biggest afrobeat stars.
In a widely circulated video, Banky W, who played a major role in launching Wizkid’s career under his label Empire Mates Entertainment (EME), recounted how Wizkid used to spend countless hours in different studios, struggling to afford recording sessions.
Banky W revealed that Wizkid, whose real name is Ayodeji Balogun, often had to rely on the goodwill of producers and sound engineers, hoping someone would let him record a few minutes for free.
Describing Wizkid as a “studio rat” in those early days, Banky W emphasized how dedicated Wizkid was.
Without the financial means to pay for regular sessions, he would hang around studios for entire days, just waiting for an opportunity to jump on the mic.
This constant exposure to the studio environment honed Wizkid’s skills.
Banky W explained that Wizkid would use those long hours to work on hooks, melodies, and lyrics, all in anticipation of the rare moments when a producer would allow him a brief recording time.
Since he didn’t always have a lot of time to prepare, Wizkid developed the habit of freestyling melodies and coming up with ideas on the spot, which eventually turned him into a remarkably fast songwriter.
Banky W also noted that Wizkid’s ability to craft songs quickly became one of his standout traits and helped establish his reputation in the industry.
Wizkid’s knack for freestyling soon evolved into a unique style that caught the attention of EME, where Banky W saw raw potential in him and signed him to the label.
Reflecting on those early days, Banky W added that it was during this time that Wizkid began to earn his nickname, as his exceptional talent and swift songwriting ability led people to call him the “Wiz.”
The long-awaited trial in the murder case of legendary rapper Tupac Shakur has reached a major development, with Duane “Keffe D” Davis sentenced to 40 years to life in prison on October 13, 2026.
Davis was convicted of first-degree murder in August 2026 for his role in orchestrating the 1996 killing. Tupac was shot in a drive-by attack in Las Vegas on September 7, 1996, and died six days later.
During the sentencing, the judge addressed Davis, rejecting his claims that he had changed his life and moved on from his past. “Mr. Davis, for three years, I’ve heard you say some variation of the same thing to law enforcement, [in interviews], in your book, and it’s something like, ‘Yeah, I was involved in this, but I’m different. I’ve moved on. I got out of Compton. I’m a grandfather now.’ I’m here to tell you that’s not how this works,” the judge said.
She continued “You don’t get to take a man from his family. You don’t get to take his very life, his whole future from him, and just walk away from it. Especially when that man is Tupac Shakur.
“The world never forgot about him and his death, and neither did Las Vegas. It took us 30 years, but at this time, you are going to face justice for what you did on Sept. 7, 1996.”
Nollywood actor Timini Egbuson has reflected on how his perception of YouTube movies has changed over the years. The actor recalled that there was a time when he looked down on movies released on YouTube.
However, he now appreciates the opportunities they have provided for his career and joked that he might have struggled financially if he had continued to dismiss them.
Sharing his thoughts in a post on X, Egbuson wrote “Can’t believe I was looking down on YouTube movies at some point. Hunger go don kpai me by now.”
Nigerian singer Timi Dakolo has advised young people who are still living with their parents not to rush into moving out because of peer pressure.
The singer encouraged young people to focus on their personal circumstances rather than compare their lives with those of others. He noted that there is no need to leave their parents’ homes simply because they want to feel independent.
Sharing his advice, Dakolo said “No hurry, leave your papa house because of peer pressure. Forget all that, ‘I don’t have my freedom here.’”
Judge Tells Duane Davis He Must Face Justice for Tupac’s Murder
Timini Egbuson Reflects on Embracing YouTube Movies in Nollywood
