In the circulating snippet, the global Afrobeats star reflects on his early career, asserting that he had to navigate the industry without a clear model to follow. “There was no blueprint for me. I had to build a structure for myself,” he said in the teaser.
The remark drew swift reactions online, with some users interpreting it as an attempt to diminish the role of Banky W and Empire Mates Entertainment (EME), the label under which Wizkid released his breakout work. Critics argued that his statement also appeared to overlook the contributions of earlier Nigerian music pioneers who opened doors for the current generation.
Despite the backlash, the documentary also captures Wizkid acknowledging one of his key inspirations. He credits Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti as a foundational influence: “Fela Kuti was instrumental to why I believe I could really make music.”
On X (formerly Twitter), reactions ranged from sharp criticism to more measured interpretations.
- Franko_Nero recalled Banky W’s early endorsement of the young artist, describing Wizkid’s comment as ungrateful.
- Arhcent echoed similar sentiments, stressing that EME played a pivotal role in his emergence.
- Duke of Isoko, however, argued that Wizkid’s originality—his style, sound, and image—was what first attracted attention to him.
- Sir Dickson offered a more contextual reading, suggesting the singer was speaking specifically about his artistic direction rather than industry support structures.
As anticipation builds for the documentary’s release, the conversation underscores the broader tensions around legacy, mentorship, and individual agency within Nigeria’s evolving music landscape.