Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Reekado Banks has opened up once again about his decision to leave Don Jazzy’s Mavin Records, admitting that his exit was “too early” and left him unprepared for life as an independent artist.
In a fresh conversation on the Echo Room Podcast, the award-winning singer explained that while there was no conflict behind his departure, youthful zeal and a strong desire to go solo pushed him to make the leap.
“It wasn’t about a fight or misunderstanding. I was young and determined to chase my own path. My three-year contract had already expired, but I stayed two more years. When the five years were up, I felt I was ready to move on. But in reality, I wasn’t,” he revealed.
The Easy (Jeje) crooner admitted that he soon realized how overwhelming independence could be. “I thought I could handle it, but stepping out made me see how premature the decision was,” he confessed.
Reekado also shared a humorous moment with Don Jazzy that he still remembers as one of his biggest takeaways from the label. “It wasn’t even advice. He just said, ‘I’m not going to beat you. Nobody go beat me,’” he recalled with laughter.
This is not the first time the singer has reflected on his exit. In July, he told The Esther Show that leaving Mavin Records forced him to grow quickly, teaching him responsibility and accountability. He added that staying longer under Don Jazzy might have made him too comfortable and less willing to accept failures.
Reekado Banks first announced his departure from Mavin Records in 2018. At the time, he described it as an amicable split filled with gratitude, praising Don Jazzy for treating him like family and giving him the platform that launched his career.